Several Japanese scholars have pointed out that the country must squarely face its history of aggression against China and other Asian nations, warning that attempts to gloss over or deny this history will only hinder Japan's future development. Atsushi Kouketsu, an emeritus professor at Yamaguchi University, stressed that when reflecting on Japanese history, it is incorrect for the media to focus solely on the narrative of Japan as a victim. "In reviewing Japanese history, the media in Japan have been one-sided in emphasizing the history of victimhood. However, we must not forget that before that, our country committed acts of aggression against China and other Asian nations. Not confronting such historical facts is a serious problem," Kouketsu said. Other scholars voiced similar concerns, pointing to the lack of historical awareness in Japanese society. Takano Hajime, director of the East Asia Community Institute, noted that without understanding history, Japan cannot chart a correct course for the future. "If the people do not understand history and have a weak sense of historical awareness, they will not be able to move toward the future in the right way. From this perspective, I am concerned about the current state of Japan," Takano said. Some stressed that confronting history does not mean diminishing national pride. Tomisaka Satoshi, professor at Takushoku University, emphasized that recognizing past mistakes is not the same as fostering national inferiority. "In fact, facing up to past history will not make a nation feel inferior — these are two different matters. What is wrong is wrong. We must face history squarely," Tomisaka said. There are calls for Japan to acknowledge and address its wartime responsibilities. Kimura Tomoyoshi, head of the Northeast Asia Dynamics Research Association, pointed out that Japanese society has long ignored the issues of war responsibility, colonial rule, and acts of aggression. "The responsibility for war, for colonial rule, and aggression has long been ignored by Japanese society. Even though 80 years have passed, we still bear this responsibility. To move toward the future, we cannot bypass this issue," said Kimura Tomoyoshi, head of the Northeast Asia Dynamics Research Association. SHOTLIST: FILE: Tokyo, Japan - 2024 1. Various of National Diet building, national flag; Tokyo, Japan - Aug 8, 2025 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Atsushi Kouketsu, emeritus professor of Yamaguchi University: "In reviewing Japanese history, the media in Japan have been one-sided in emphasizing the history of victimhood. However, we must not forget that before that, our country committed acts of aggression against China and other Asian nations. Not confronting such historical facts is a serious problem."; 3. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Takano Hajime, director, East Asia Community Institute: "If the people do not understand history and have a weak sense of historical awareness, they will not be able to move toward the future in the right way. From this perspective, I am concerned about the current state of Japan; Tokyo, Japan - July 23, 2025 4. Various of traffic, pedestrians; Tokyo, Japan - Aug 8, 2025 5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Tomisaka Satoshi, professor, Takushoku University: "In fact, facing up to past history will not make a nation feel inferior — these are two different matters. What is wrong is wrong. We must face history squarely."; 6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kimura Tomoyoshi, head of Northeast Asia dynamics research association: "The responsibility for war, for colonial rule, and aggression has long been ignored by Japanese society. Even though 80 years have passed, we still bear this responsibility. To move toward the future, we cannot bypass this issue."; FILE: Tokyo, Japan - 2024 7. Various of cityscape. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]