Japan PM: shouldn’t have to keep apologizing for WWII

World Today

70 years ago, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional surrender to end World War II. Current Emperor Akihito is expressing “deep remorse” for Japan’s actions and says he hopes the ravages of war “will never be repeated.” But the island nation is divided on how it looks back on its World War II history. And the anniversary has prompted protests in Tokyo and other parts of Asia.

CCTV’s Terrence Terashima filed this report from Japan.


Peter Kuznick on WWII surrender

For more on World War II, Japan’s surrender, and how the conflict is still shaping East Asia, CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke to Peter Kuznick, a history professor and the director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University.

Follow Susan Roberts on Twitter @IamSusanRoberts
Follow Peter Kuznick on Twitter @AmericanU


Helen Zia on no new apology from Shinzo Abe

The Japanese emperor has expressed ‘deep remorse’ on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The statement took a different tone than Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who stopped short of making a new apology to the victims of Japanese aggression. Abe said future generations should not have to keep apologizing. For more on the topic, CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke to Helen Zia, she is an award-winning author and activist.