That is a bit concerning Hans.
I don't mind if they want to change the treaty to allow them a military that is a bit more than the relatively small defensive force they have, and so as not to rely on the USofA and allies to bolster their military. They live in a dangerous neighbourhood.
I can even understand that growing up Japanese and carrying a burden of guilt about your country's and forefathers actions might encourage some attempt at amelioration; it would be unpleasant for a society that places emphasis on 'face'. However the idea of whitewashing facts from history is not a good start to good relations. Especially when it is documented and provable.
China will play it for all it's worth and so will North Korea.
I believe it is an attempt to recover honour for the entire culture but it's not the way to do it. The recovery is a generational thing and will take time-distance from the events. Probably another generation or so. In fact the current younger Japanese generation seems quite willing to let it all go.
Trevor
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