The War Exhibition for Peace in 2001
Foreword
The 20th century which was called "the century of wars and conflicts" ended, and we had a new century. But Japan refused to acknowledge the facts of the self-incurred offensive war of conquest toward Asia and the Pacific region, and adjourned overcoming the problem to the 21st century. The Japanese government has not made the sincere apology and compensation yet to the war victims of comfort women (sex slaves) or Nanking Massacre who have been demanding the official apology and reparation since the 1990's. In a sense, Japan continues to hurt the body, soul and the honor of those war sufferers in Asia even 56 years after the war.
On the other hand, there was much problematic legislation in quick succession in 1999, such as legislation of the national flag and anthem, legislation related to new guidelines on Japan-U.S. defense cooperation and instituting Diet councils to study constitutional debates.
In this current of the times, junior high school textbooks of history and civics got the stamp of approval for 2002 from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in spite that they affirm the Japan's past aggressive war, hardly ever mention the reality of attacks, and even praise Imperial Message on Education and Meiji Constitution. Also the description of the attacks has been drastically reduced from other textbooks. Against a series of these issues, there is harsh criticism from Korea, China and other nations in Asia.
There are other important issues such as considering making youth voluntary activities compulsory, bringing Conscription into view, and the remarks of Japan's new prime minister, Koizumi, on the official visits to Yasukuni Shrine or revising the Constitution.
Facing such trend of the times, we feel a sense of crisis that our country Japan is trying to train people to pledge loyalty to their own country, and to enable them to make war.
Our 22nd War Exhibition for Peace desires to draw the moral from the both experiences of attacking and suffering of the past war, and create with you the power not to be drawn into the general trend. It is our sheer bliss if this exhibition becomes an opportunity for you to discuss what we should do to make peace.
Chairperson of the executive committee of the War Exhibition for Peace
Sadao Suzuki
