What?

Doesn't it say something when singing your national anthem is considered vitriolic? God forbid our Congress and representatives say the pledge of allegiance or sing our national anthem (by their actions I severly doubt that many of them know the words or the meaning).

I say that some patriotism isn't a bad thing. You have to watch when a country goes so far nationalistic that they start wanting to kick out/supress non nationals.

Doesn't it say something when singing your national anthem is considered vitriolic?

Yes. It says the people aren't proud of the history of their country. It's a different culture...you can't judge them by your own culture. Would you still scold them if we were talking about German politicians singing Nazi era anthems?

This is worrisome.

Its akin to Angela Merkel singing the "Horst Wessel" in the Bundestag.

I am a great admirer of the Japanese but I am not blind to their xenophobia and history of militarism.

I sincerely hope this is not a sign of a return to their past.

"kick out/supress non nationals" (sic)

The japanese don't give citizenship to anyone who is not hereditary japanese, even people of Korean ancestry who have lived Japan for generations, or foreigners who marry japanese.

That is not true, Holler.

Japan does not allow dual citizenship, and the criteria are certainly stricter than many nations, but you can get citizenship without being ethnic Japanese: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_nationality_law

The right wing Japanese kind of remind me of the faux nationalistic GOP. Not much difference. Wonder if the Japanese are as hateful as the GOP. Hope so! But the pattern fits.

Good for them. I'm also glad they're wanting to strengthen their ties to the USA. We need a good friend in the far East.

Japan kicks ass!

So if their national anthem is a symbol of their fascist warmongering past, um, why the hell don't they change the bloody thing? Maybe keep the tune and write new words. They could have a public contest or something.

I think it's amazing how many people don't have a clue about the shared history of Japan and the US. For example, the Japanese were our Allies during World War I, and only after the US reneged on some deals that Woodrow Wilson cooked up with his 14-Points because between Coolidge and Hoover turning their backs on the Japanese, a lot of history was changed. Japan has every right as a sovereign nation to control it's own destiny, as does any other nation. Of course Japan will want to maintain a strong relationship with the US, but I think they should be able to loose themselves of that bull@!$%# Postdam Declaration!

There's a quote by Gerda Lerner, God rest her soul, that says:

"We can learn from history how past generations thought and acted, how they responded to the demands of their time and how they solved their problems. We can learn by analogy, not by example, for our circumstances will always be different than theirs were. The main thing history can teach us is that human actions have consequences and that certain choices, once made, cannot be undone. They foreclose the possibility of making other choices and thus they determine future events."

What? You think American poop doesn't stink? You'd better check again.

Z-933870:

America's deeds and misdeeds during its wars are fairly publicly debated - still, as are Germany's. This is not an issue of whether or not America's "poop" stinks ("poop"? - are we still second-graders here?); war invites the worst - and sometimes the best - from every nation involved.

If you bother to check it out, you will find that Japan has been singularly silent about its wartime deeds and misdeeds. Indeed, even the Japanese people in general are somewhat unaware of much of Japan's actions during WWII because the common history books gloss over the facts, and because it is considered somewhat impolite to bring up unpleasant issues, no matter how true they may be.

If you're unaware of this fact (which is the basis and the reason behind this news article in the first place), then it seems that YOU'D better check again.

Don't we have enough problems today that we don't need to keep railing about problems that occurred a lifetime ago?

Even if Japan "unapologizes" for its war crimes (whatever that means), it's an irrelevant, insubstantial matter that just distracts from the realities of the current-day geopolitics. The world is going to have to get over World War II sooner or later.

"poop"? - are we still second-graders here?

Internet forums frequently censor profanity. Does this really need an explanation?

America's deeds and misdeeds during its wars are fairly publicly debated

Are they? Seems even in the US we gloss over our misdeeds. How often do you hear about the native american genocide? Or the Japanese internment camps? It's impolite to speak of these things even in our society...or at least to discuss them as being on the same order of magnitude as "war crimes" or "genocides" or "atrocities", or other nasty words. Germany talks about theirs them because it's impossible to hide them...America never misses an opportunity to bring it up and how heroically we liberated the concentration camps.

I don't believe the Japanese have gotten over WWII. An undercurrent fascist right has been present in Japan since the war. The US occupation force allowed it to remain as a counter-balance to Far East communism. The Japanese approach their history very differently than Germany which makes any resurgence of nationalism worrisome to those who oppose fascism.

How often do you hear about the native american genocide? Or the Japanese internment camps?

I hear about those things all the time. I learned about both in high school, and they were covered repeatedly in multiple history courses; the reasoning behind them, the legal and illegal aspects, and the trials of those involved. I have never seen or even heard of people being dissuaded from talking about them, even when they are given appropriately nasty labels like "atrocities" and "genocide". I have never encountered an attempt to hide or gloss over them, and I find it strange that you apparently have.

Then again, it might not be the same in all states. I live in California, and we're not shy about criticizing our own country. But you're completely mistaken if you think these things are not widely discussed or if you think some higher authority sweeps those bits of history under the rug. Perhaps if you don't hear about it as often as you think you should it's because people have gotten over it, rather than people not knowing/caring about it.

Z's point is well taken. Our history is not exactly pristine. Slavery, Genocide of Native peoples, the whole 1846 War where we stole 40% of Mexico and called it our own. We still remain the only nation to have used atomic/nuclear weapons in warfare and we used those weapons on Nagasaki and Hiroshima's civilian population, not military targets.

So, before we get on our high horse about Japanese atrocities let's keep in mind that our skirts aren't clean either.

I'm not defending them, I'm just sayin'

I have never encountered an attempt to hide or gloss over them, and I find it strange that you apparently have.

Things may have changed since I was in school in the late 80's and early 90's. But it most definitely was glossed over. And I can certainly see how it would be in the more conservative parts of the country.

Z, I was in high school in the late 80s/early 90s, and we most certainly were taught about the sins our country committed in the past.

Blankets infected with smallpox, the Trail of Tears, etc. all laid out in gruesome detail.

But then again, whether or not these events were glossed over, largely depends on what state you were taught in, and what version of textbook you were taught from. Unfortunately, many states are forced to use the Texas-approved version, due to extra distribution and printing costs that publishers charge their customers when they have to print more than one version every year.

holler,

if you've ever been to Japan you'd know-

the Japanese HAVEN'T gotten over WW2- they apologize for it every day. That's why their PM is saying- enough time has passed, they need to get over it.

The Chinese weren't "fooled". The Chinese had nothing to do with Japan's rise to power, other than being a frequent victim of it. China could do jack squat as Japan became a major military power, and it's thanks to the United States, and not its own actions, that it's practically impossible for Japan to rise to that level again.

Maybe because they're some of our few allies that actually still like us?

The war was over nearly 70 years ago...70! Move on. The rest of us have.

Really now? "The only good Jap is a dead Jap"? You're spouting that nonsense after Japan had the militarism nuked out of them, was stripped of its captured territories and military, and has become one of the most pacificistic nations on Earth?

They got their act together, and those atrocities were committed a lifetime ago. Why should their children and grandchildren have to suffer for the crimes of their ancestors?

"Move on"? Really? Well, idiot, when the Japanese are planning to take a "less apologetic" tone for things they have never apologized for, that is why nobody moves on.

Sorry, apologist, nobody's moving on from atrocities, terrorism, mass murder, racist hate or mass rape. You want to because your low I.Q. won't let you work it into your thinking. Obviously you didn't get much history in school.

Yes, actually, people do "move on" from atrocities, terrorism, murder, etc. etc, and they will continue to do so. Those things have been happening ever since the beginning of recorded history, and though they've become far less common, there's no indication they'll stop within our lifetimes. So yeah, people are going to have to get over them - regardless of their IQ - or they'll spend their lives raging pointlessly over the actions of a bunch of dead men. Japan is not the same country it was 70 years ago, and it's stupid to treat it as if it was. People change, regimes change, and nations change, and if we don't recognize that, well, then I guess we might as well all hate each other forever and ever over things we can't change. Isn't that a lovely future?

Moving on doesn't mean things didn't happen, nor that they were acceptable. People don't forget. They continue to live, and if that's what you mean, then sure. But a relatively short time ago Japan had a national policy to rape, murder and slaughter. No, they aren't the same country because we conquered them and forced their current constitution on them, occupying them until they were finally unwilling to continue their ways.

So....they have acted differently, but they also refuse to admit, accept and be apologetic for their behavior. When they completely own up...then people will "move on" more effectively. Ask the Koreans how they like Japan, and you won't hear much "move on" in that. Or the people of the Phillipeans, or China...or any American who has had relatives slaughtered by them. Move on? Not going to happen in our lifetimes. Change is good...but...they were thousands of years into their former ways, they will gain credibility over the next few thousand years.

As in the rest of the world, there are still a sizeable number of Japanese that were in the Japanese government and military before and during WWII. Maybe when they are gone for a long while, things will be different. Think they're happy about being conquered and having to surrender? Think they passed on a legacy of "let's all just get along" to their children? You'd be wrong.

you don't know what you're talking about. Japan endlessly apologizes for WW2. You can't turn on a tv any day of the year and not find some program apologizing...

btw, Endrust-

if Japan is so stupid militarily, how did a country so small whip a** on every huge country around it- China, Korea, Russia? How did a country with the square footage of Montana almost defeat the United States of America, to the point where we had to nuke it TWICE into submission?

nowadays, Japan is our friend. For that I'm glad. They are some of the nicest, intelligent, and hardest-working people in the world.

Japan rules! We need more allies like them.

Because nothing inspires love for ones country like being forced to recite old songs about American exceptionalism - the belief that you're better than everyone else because you were born in a particular place.

Part of freedom is not being shackled to your nation. You shouldn't have to swear allegiance to the United States, because aside from those who literally work for the government, you don't serve the United States government. The US government serves YOU. If you're grateful to your nation, fantastic, but holding it above all others regardless of its actions doesn't serve any useful purpose. A nation should be loved on an objective assessment of what it does; if it is, then patriotism is redundant. If a nation is loved in spite of what it does, then its patriotism is undeserved.

Nationalism is not a virtue, it's a disease.

sf, that is the biggest pile of dribble I've read today. "You shouldn't have to swear allegiance to the United States." It is quite obvious that you are indeed from sf, as that only someone from that pit of depravity and despair would think like this...

It doesn't make sense to have children make an oath to obey the government until they're old enough to know what that means.

no, Z, back around WW2, we WERE better than everybody. Back when excellence was a part of the American experience, back when our country accepted the best and brightest from around the world, when hard work and intelligence were championed, back before this country turned into a land of fat stupid reality-tv watching morons....

Anyone nowadays talking about the USA being the best at anything is usually wrong. But that didn't used to be the case...

back around WW2, we WERE better than everybody. Back when excellence was a part of the American experience, back when our country accepted the best and brightest from around the world, when hard work and intelligence were championed,

You can't possibly be serious.... you've watched too many movies. Most people back then were less educated and seriously bigoted.

So then, "z", you were alive during WWII? Didn't think so. Although there was definitely more bigotry back then, it might surprise you that as a Nation, we were far better educated back then, as opposed to now, when our children are taught how to take, and pass a bunch of standardized tests, instead of being taught how to solve problems, think logically, or utilize reasoning in an arguement. But then again, I get the impression that you're not too terribly old, nor intellengent.

And I get the impression you weren't alive back then either (or if you were, you were too young to make a judgement regarding education). I also get the impression that you're an insulting jerk, who judges other people's intelligence by how closely they agree with you. That's an excellent metric...but when I apply it to you, you come out looking like an idiot....either your system is flawed or we're all idiots.

What is wrong wit being proud of your country and your people.

Because pride in country and people is poorly disguised racism.

Tell me about it. The news media loves to spin off stuff like this. With them it's all about misleading the public.

To think that the democrats are loyal to banksters is as bad as thinking Japan was a victim during WWII, which is what the japanese are taught in school.

All politicians are loyal to bankers, because they tend to be educated enough to know how finance works.

Have you noticed that we've been running a deficit lately, Holler? Did you know that they don't grow that money on money trees in the White House lawn? Where do you think that cash comes from?

holler,

quit lying. the Japanese are not taught that they were the victims of WW2.

use facts in your arguments, not made-up bullsh*t...

@"z", "Because pride in country and people is poorly disguised racism."

That is the MOST idiotic statement I've read today. Period.

That is the MOST idiotic statement I've read today. Period.

...which is exactly what a nationalistic racist would say.

Coming from a brain-deal liberal, I'll take that as a complement! I find it mildly amusing that you obviously don't have any pride in your country whatsoever. Do you take your cues from Mrs. Obama?

Sorry. Not a liberal. Just a guy who realizes that patriotism is a tool that politicians use to get blind obedience from their constituency. Why bother explaining the real motives behind a decision when you can just say it's for the good of democracy, or capitalism, or whatever ideal your average patriot puts up on a pedestal.

the Japanese are our friends- they're getting nationalistic to p*ss off China, not us. you really shouldn't threaten to kill a few hundred thousand people without at least thinking first...

The problem is revealed if one thinks of Germany officially condoning singing the first verse of their anthem which they banned in 1952 and flying the nazi flag.

Obama would never sing the national anthem. He won't even put his hand on his heart when it is sung.

Word "Steve". These people made Ghengis Khan look like an amateur when it comes to terrorizing entire populations (Nanking, Phillipines, etc.). And I challenge ANYONE to go to Japan, and even mention the Rape of Nanking. They will almost certainly be hauled to to jail, where you will probably suffer some at the hands of these animals. The people of Nippon really haven't changed all that much in the last 60 years, as that they still deny that Nanking even happened, and deny that there ever were "comfort women" who were kidnapped by the japanese military for obvious reasons. They are unapologetic, arrogant, and devious beasts.

war is hell, isn't it?

Yes, war is indeed hell. And having served in the military, and been in actual combat, I can say this to be a certainty. That does not change the fact that the leaders of Japan are hypocritical animals. Maybe not all of them, but Abe? Yeah, he fits the mold quite well.

They can't hear you. It is likely a bot setup by someone that gets paid per spam post. You seem them all over the place in online games. I am surprised we do not see more on these forums.

If you are an American citizen as claimed, then you should use the term "Japan's PM" rather simply "Prime Minister". By addressing him PM, you consider he is your prime minister and therefore you as japanese.