Somewhat related to one of Prof. Lehmbruch's inquiries (I hope) was a talk given
by T. R. Reid (former Tokyo Bureau Chief of the Washington Post) at Harvard.

His answer to the title of his talk "Fifty Years Later: Is the War Over Yet?"
was negative. There were several interesting points of this witty and deeply
moving talk.

(Please note that the below is my personal account of the talk and may not be an
accurate representation)

(1) The major reason the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the War did not
result in mutual reconciliation between Japan and the US was due to mutual
reinforcement of "stereotypes" in both countries. The Japanese regard the US as
racist and self-righteous, especially with regard to dropping the A-bomb. The US
view is that the Japanese are not willing to face their past. Such common wisdom
is reinforced because they are comfortable to live with. However, if one
considers the huge debate over dropping the A-bomb and the Smithonian exhibit in
the US this year, one cannot say that the US speaks with one voice and that
Americans are self-righteous about their wartime acts. Similarly, the Japanese
have recently come to teach wartime history in schools, especially with the
entrance exams asking questions about the 20th century. Furthermore, is not the
fact that Japan refuses to be involved in military activities a sign that Japan
deeply regrets its wartime record? (although Japan has not successful in PR-ing
this fact)

(2) This year started with high hopes on the part of some officials (especially
embassador Mondale) to use the fiftieth anniversary to end mutual adversary and
foster reconciliation. For example, Mondale's attendance at the memorial
ceremony of the Tokyo bombing, or president Clinton's carefully worded response
on whether it was right for Truman to drop the bomb can be cited. On the other
hand, the "A bomb stamp" issue, the word "V-J day" issue, Premier Murayama's
comments to Clinton's comments, and careless remarks by conservative politicians
in Japan dashed such hopes. Instead, the stereotype was reinforced.

(3) Questions from the audience included the role of the media in reinforcing
such "stereotypes" and how long will it take for the war to end in both
countries.

In a somewhat similar vein, Professor Carol Gluck (Columbia University)
addressed the issue of the Japanese still living in the "Postwar era" at a
conference in Bologna, Italy. Indeed, the whole discourse on the historical
context of contemporary Japan is couched in the term "Fifty years after the War"
(and not the end of the First Republic, as in Italy). (Unfortunately, I cannot
give you an account of her talk since I misplaced my notes, but I will try to
contact Prof. Gluck)

It is interesting to think (a) has Japan faced, or failed to face, the end of
the War, (b) how will Japan face or can (should) Japan enter the post-post War
era (to use Prof. Gluck's term), (c) and was this year--the fiftieth
anniversary-- an opportunity lost for the Japanese (or the US, or any other
country) to end the post-War and make it a starting point in its relations with
neighboring countries?

Nobuhiro Hiwatari