Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama urged Japan to learn the lessons of history while highlighting the importance of maintaining a peaceful and friendly relationship with China in an article published in the People's Daily newspaper on Saturday, the 75th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
Reviewing the past development of China-Japan relations, Murayama stressed the need for Japan to acknowledge and reflect on its history thoroughly, so as not to repeat errors and stay committed to the path of peace and prosperity.
In the article, the former prime minister expressed pity for Japanese right-wingers who try to whitewash or even deny history, describing their behavior as totally wrong and groundless.
Japan should show the world its firm determination to respect history and strive to draw lessons from it if the country hopes to gain respect in the international community, he added.
