Should Obama Apologize to East Asia?

Kim Young-Jin, a Korean congressman who leads the Korean division of the Korean-Japanese Coalition of Christian Congress Members, introduced the issue. According to media reports, Kim declared the following on 27 November in New York:

As leader of the nation that launched the Pacific War (World War II), the emperor of Japan symbolizes pain and suffering for the people of East Asia. For the president of the United States, which upholds freedom and human rights, to perform such an act, is to rub salt in our wounds.

What was this act? It refers to Obama’s actions at noon on 14 November at the Japanese imperial palace, where he smiled and shook hands, and then deeply bowed, almost 90 degrees, to Emperor Akihito and the empress. In the United States, several internet commentators labeled his actions “treasonous,” while the Department of State holds that this was merely a gesture of respect.

Congressman Kim raised the issue again, 13 days later, pressing Obama to apologize to the people of East Asia, which would convey a more agreeable view of history. Kim’s statements expressed an attitude towards Emperor Akihito that is held by many Koreans. At the same time, it is possible that Obama’s bow may have been misinterpreted by right-wing Japanese politicians. After several days of restraint, Kim could tolerate the situation no longer and demanded a public apology from Obama.

While his feelings are understandable given the fact that Korea was the first and most prolonged victim of Japanese expansion during World War II, Kim’s demand for an apology is not entirely reasonable. Rather than coming from Obama, an apology should be issued by the Japanese imperial family and ruling class.

Moreover, Obama’s deep bow should not be construed as support for the position held by right-wing Japanese politicians regarding their nation’s history of aggression. The key word that advanced Obama to the White House was “change,” and one of the important changes he brought forth was learning to show respect for the cultures, customs, and feelings of other nations and races. Unexpectedly being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize has also driven the United States’ first African American president to show humility to other nations. His deep bow to the king of Saudi Arabia expressed his reverence for Arabic culture. Emperor Akihito symbolizes Japan’s culture and bowing is part of Japan’s normal social etiquette.

The Department of State’s explanation for the bow is that the president consults the head of the protocol office on proper etiquette before visiting other nations. Obviously, Obama’s bow was intended to respect both the host nation’s custom of bowing as well as the emperor, who represents Japanese culture.

On another note, the Japanese invasion of East Asia ended 64 years ago, in 1945. While we shouldn’t forget history, we also shouldn’t get stuck on past injustices. Instead, we should celebrate the fact that, after growing accustomed to a wild cowboy in the White House, the world can now look forward to an American president who respects other cultures and customs. In conclusion, Congressman Kim is making a mountain out of a molehill and his complaints are simply unreasonable.