How do people in Japan view and teach WWII? -

I was just curious how Japan views WWII and from what approach they teach it over there. Do they teach that it was an unfortunate decision? I realize this may be a loaded question as there were different factors that played into that decision, but I was just curious how people in Japan view their involvement in it. Note: I would appreciate answers from people who know or who knows or lives in Japan. Please, no speculations.

Japan was at war already before what is generally agreed on to be the time period for WW2. Japanese kids are taught that Japan went through an imperialistic phase, and are taught the extent of that Japanese empire. In general, some of the more difficult issues are not taught, such as the quot;Rape of Nankingquot;, or the quot;Comfort Womenquot;. However, by no means is it taught that Japanese did nothing bad. Japanese are taught about the bombing of Pearl Harbour, the reasons for it, and the outcome. Of course all Japanese are taught about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the subsequent surrender to American forces. History is history in Japan. Most people live in the present moment as opposed to the past.

I was in Japan few years ago on a English teaching contract in Osaka and later in Yokohama for almost 3 years. I also travel to Japan many times as well as many other countries. Japan kids are very smart, honest, polite and disciplined. Most of their people view war involvements were unfortunate and most of them refuse to get into wars of any kinds. Japan, perhaps is one of the most peaceful and safest countries in the world. People are highly civilized and disciplined. I am Canadian and Japan is also the country i really want to live in. Unfortunately, the tyranny China acts of building a strong army are undeniable and this will probably wake Japan up again sometimes in the future. I hope it won t get Japan into war again. Peace to world.

I m just guessing here but prolly the same way the British teach about the American Revolution. So if you have any friends from England maybe they could give you a view from the other side. Hope this helps. Good question.