Murayama on War

Thanks for your Aug. 17 editorial, “The Prime Minister (Murayama) Says No to Denial.” A few thoughts: Wouldn’t there be a huge outcry if Germans wept at Hitler’s tomb? Why is there no protest over the Japanese, who mourn at Tojo’s grave, in their annual outpouring of grief at the Yasukuni Shrine? The arrogance of Japanese officials denying guilt over World War II is stupefying.

Now we see a glimmer of regret in Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama calling for a resolution of remorse in 1995. We won’t hold our breath, though. Remember, this resolution died three years ago.

When Japan apologizes for bombing Pearl Harbor, for the Bataan death march, when the Japanese admit they were the aggressors, that they were not freeing Asians from colonialism, when they sincerely apologize for their barbarism and their atrocities, then I might light an August candle for them. In the meantime, I’ll light mine on Dec. 7.

ROY ROUDINE

Los Alamitos

* How gratifying it is to be holier than thou. By the example of overcoming their own war guilt and denial, Americans can join Prime Minister Murayama’s efforts to help the Japanese people overcome their war guilt and denial (Aug. 16). What is needed is a grass-roots initiative calling on the President and Congress to admit publicly that the atom bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was not necessary to end the war more quickly, nor to prevent large U.S. casualties. But the bombings were useful in deterring Soviet military expansion following the end of the war.

This would greatly enhance the effectiveness of Murayama’s statement, “We must repent for our own history and tell younger generations about the wretchedness of war and numerous sacrifices caused by the war.”

NICHOLAS V. SEIDITA

Northridge