Don't Trample on the Heart of the Atomic Bomb Site

Did a Japanese diplomat really prevent an apology for the atomic bombings? If the cables are true, it is a deep and undeniable disappointment.

Before President Obama’s first visit to Japan in November 2009, then Vice-President of Foreign Affairs Mitoji Yabunaka indicated his disapproval of a visit to the atomic bomb site in Hiroshima to issue an apology. He indicated to the United States ambassador to Japan that he thought it would be “premature” and that a visit without the hopes of issuing an apologizing would be best.

This was revealed on Sept. 26 after the whistle-blowing site WikiLeaks published United States diplomacy cables.

Yabunaka, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “I will not confirm or comment on documents that were published through dishonest means.” If it is true, they should apologize. If not, then it makes sense to deny it.

The document’s aim was to highlight the fear of possible expansion of anti-nuclear feelings in Japan, which is protected under the United States’ “nuclear umbrella.”

Haggling and self-interest always accompany foreign diplomacy which is for its own national interests. But this time, it went too far. In relation to President Obama visiting the bomb site, it was said that “both governments must temper the public’s expectations,” and that “there is no likelihood for success” for a visit for the purpose of apologizing. This goes beyond anger towards this bureaucrat; it is sad.

After Obama’s Prague speech in April 2009, when he proposed a “world without nuclear weapons,” expectations were high that he would visit the bomb sites in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

In the midst of this, for this bureaucrat to throw cold water on a situation favorable to completely eliminating nuclear weapons is nothing less than betrayal to the atomic victims and the Japanese people.

In May of this year, a controversial statement was discovered by WikiLeaks about the impending relocation of the United States’ Futenma Airbase. Director General of the Defense Policy Bureau Nobushige Takamizawa’s statement that “the U.S. Government should also refrain from demonstrating flexibility too soon” brings Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama’s favorite statement, “At the very least, relocation will be outside the prefecture,” into a new light.

If President Obama had apologized at the atomic bombing site, it would have lessened the bad feelings that are still stagnant in the bottom of the hearts of Japanese people. Japan and the United States should take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to make progress on President Obama’s proposal for a “world without nuclear weapons.”

There isn’t a more deplorable story than bureaucrats, far from the public people, working to protect themselves and their own interests. Without the public’s support, the outlook for diplomacy isn’t looking bright.

It is outrageous that atomic bomb victims’ prayers are suppressed. I hope that bureaucrats can sincerely listen to the anger and sorrow of these victims.