Japan's history

"Consideration for Japan's Asian neighbors" is one of the provisions for the screening of public school textbooks by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Specifically, the provision requires that Japan respect the spirit of "international understanding and cooperation" in its appraisal of history with its Asian neighbors.

But a senior education ministry official has made a comment that effectively negates this provision.

The "Asian neighbors" provision embodies this basic national principle. Objections to this provision by any senior education ministry official would raise questions about Japan's basic stance. This is hardly in the nation's interest.

Whether we have this provision or not, we must never make light of our history with our neighbors.

-- The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo