Nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday led Japan’s first State-backed ceremony to mark the return of its sovereignty in 1952 following its defeat in World War II.
The move may be regarded warily by neighbouring China and South Korea which are suspicious of signs of rising nationalism in Japan and have long-standing territorial disputes with Tokyo.
“I wish to mark this day as a major milestone and make this a day on which we renew our hopes and our determination towards the future, reflecting on the path we have followed,” Abe said at a ceremony attended by about 400 people including Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
Referring to Japan’s rapid postwar rise as a democratic, economic power, Abe said: “I believe we have an obligation to make Japan strong and robust and make it a country that the people of the world are able to depend on.” Prior to the event, the hawkish Abe said a ceremony would help younger Japanese “recognise” that the country regained independence following seven years of postwar occupation by US forces after its surrender.
Japanese conservatives have long criticised liberal school teachers as atoning for the country’s imperialist past too much and failing to nurture patriotism in their students.