Obama's visit to Hiroshima

On 27th May 2016, Obama visited Hiroshima and made a speech there. There are two groups that are opposed to his visit. The first is those who think that Obama should not show sign of acceptance of Japanese war aggression/atrocities. The other one is those who will loose if Obama's real objective is achieved.

Let's look at those who think that visiting Hiroshima is a sign of accepting Japanese war aggression/atrocities. During WW2, Japanese embark on war aggression, by invading Korea and China then declare war on the Americans. In the process, millions of people are killed, many as a result of Japanese brutality.

There are a lot of Japanese atrocities that was committed during the war. The following are just some of the notorious ones.

1. The rape of Nanking.
2. The Bataan Death March.
3. The Sandakan Death March.
4. Death Railway
5. Laha Massacre
6. Banka Island Massacre
7. Palawan Massacre
8. Wake Island Massacre
9. Tina Massacre
10. Sulug Island Massacre

In Singapore, they committed the Alexandra Hospital Massacre and  Sok Ching Massacre. Those whose family are affected will have hard time coming to terms with their losses.

Hundreds of thousands of American soldier died during the war with Japanese notably in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Some were captured and then murdered. It is no wonder some Americans are totally again the reconciliation act of Obama.

Japanese government did issue apologies a number of times. However, it is generally accepted that the apologies are not enough or have been overturned by later government. The following are signs that Japanese government did not really mean what they say.

1. The total denial of Nanking Massacre.
2. The continuous visit to Yasukuni Shrine by Prime ministers and cabinet members.
3. The denial of Comfort women.
4. The whitewashing of History books.
5. The lack of visit to the site of atrocities.
6. The total silence of unit 731 experiment apparent with American immunity grant.

The American support of Japan during the Cold war and current Chinese assertion emboldens the Japanese's attitude against a total unreserved apology. Germany have done it long ago.

It is understandable that any sign of conciliatory acts by American president is a tabloo. Obama is the first one after 71 years of silence.

After noting the points of those against, there is a need to look at the opposite camp (those who accept Obama's visit).

Obama's visit aims at the total elimination of Nuclear weapons. He want to use the occasion to  drive home the message. His aim is not to show apology to the Japanese about the bombing. Many understood his intention. Even the Chinese and South Korea government (the two countries who suffered the most) have a muted objection.

Anyhow, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is one act of mass murder by American. They can't deny the fact. Whether it is right or wrong is still under ongoing debate. At least American President did acknowledge the fact and pay respect to those who died as a result of the act (without being apologetic). Will Japanese prime minister ever do that?