Japan is one of my favorite nations. Have contemplated longer term residence there. There is a great deal about their culture that appeals to me.

I also know that many Japanese politicians have apologized and certain kinds of reparations have been made. But there has never been the unconditional acceptance of fault that I see among most Germans I know. In fact, even some very progressive Japanese I know (ones who are willing to discuss the oppressed Korean residents of Japan and the "outcaste" famillies) will justify Japanese imperialism by saying they had no choice because they lacked resources. Switzerland might differ with them on that. And it doesn't explain the brutality.

Every culture has committed atrocities. If they haven't it probably means they have never been strong enough to do so. Many cultures denies their atrocities. America is no different. There are textbooks that claim slavery wasn't so bad and that the Civil War wasn't about slavery. There is a widespread denial of the effects slavery had on blacks to this day or genocide had on Native Americans. And Japan is guilty here of a whopping big pile of denial.

I do not bash Americans for their past or Japanese for their past. But I do expect people to own up to their past faults and try to make up for them.