Handouts for Grades 11-12Handout 4.4: Japan's ResponseJapan's Position on Compensation The San Francisco Peace Treaty (1951) between Japan and 47 nations (including Canada) and other subsequent agreements have settled all compensation issues between states (Articles 14(a) and 14(b) of the Peace Treaty). Japan paid compensation to the military and civilian prisoners of wars of the Allied Powers in accordance with treaties between countries. Examples of compensation paid out are:
The governments, including Canada, who signed the San Francisco Peace Treaty had agreed to waive their own citizens' right to make claims (Article 14(b) of the Peace Treaty). Since treaties govern relations between states, individual prisoners of war have no legal right to claim further compensation directly from the Japanese government. In 1995 the Japanese government supported the establishment of the Asian Women's Fund. Its primary aim is to settle compensation of the so-called "comfort women" issue. The fund gets donations from the Japanese public and distributes them to each former "comfort woman" -- about $19,000 (US). With the financial support of the government, it extends welfare and medical services to victims. In 1995 Japan established the Peace, Friendship and Exchange Initiative to support historical research into relations between Japan and other countries and also to support exchanges with those countries. Approximately $1 billion (US) over ten years would be allocated to this project. Japan's Position on Apology No War Resolution A No War Resolution that expressed Japan's apology was adopted by the Lower House of the Diet (Japanese Parliament) in 1995. This was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Asia-Pacific War. "The House of Representatives resolves as follows: On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, this House offers its sincere condolences to those who fell in action of wars and similar actions all over the world. Solemnly reflecting upon many instances of colonial rule and acts of aggression in the modern history of the world, and recognizing that Japan carried out those acts in the past, inflicting pain and suffering upon the peoples of other countries, especially in Asia, the Members of this House express a sense of deep remorse. We must transcend differences over historical views of the past war and learn humbly the lessons of history so as to build a peaceful international society. This House expresses its resolve, under the banner of eternal peace enshrined in the Constitution of Japan, to join hands with other nations of the world and to pave the way to a future that allows all human beings to live together." (Translation by the Secretariat of the Lower House of the Japanese Parliament) Individual Apologies Dignitaries in Japan have offered their individual apologies to victims. The most acclaimed one is by Japan's Prime Minister Murayama Tomiichi. He issued the following statement on August 15, 1995, the 50th anniversary of the Asia-Pacific War, to express an apology to victims. "Now that Japan has come to enjoy peace and abundance, we tend to overlook the pricelessness and blessings of peace. Our task is to convey to younger generations the horrors of war, so that we never repeat the errors in our history. I believe that, as we join hands, especially with the peoples of neighbouring countries, to ensure true peace in the Asia Pacific region -- indeed in the entire world - - it is necessary, more than anything else, that we foster relations with all countries based on deep understanding and trust. Guided by this conviction, the Government has launched the Peace, Friendship and Exchange Initiative, which consists of two parts promoting: support for historical research into relations in the modern era between Japan and the neighbouring countries of Asia and elsewhere; and rapid expansion of exchanges with those countries. Furthermore, I will continue in all sincerity to do my utmost in efforts being made on the issues arisen from the war, in order to further strengthen the relations of trust between Japan and those countries. ... During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the Japanese people in a fateful crisis, and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology. Allow me also to express my feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad, of that history." back to top |