Japanese media warn of Takaichi's 'return to prewar era'
2026-08-17 09:51:14 source：CGTN
August 17, 2026
Several editorials by Japanese media outlets on Sunday criticized the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for avoiding reflection on history and downplaying Japan's wartime responsibility on the 81st anniversary of the country's unconditional surrender in World War II, warning against growing signs of a "return to the prewar era."
On Saturday, Takaichi delivered an address at the National Memorial Service for the War Dead. In her speech, she made no mention of Japan's past wars of aggression against its Asian neighbors or the immense suffering they caused, nor did she apologize for Japan's history of aggression, while the word "remorse" was also absent from her remarks.
In this regard, an editorial from the Mainichi Shimbun pointed out that Japan's credibility as a peaceful nation will be undermined if the lessons of the war are not squarely faced.
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