You addressed the first half of my comment with your reference to “sins of the father.” How about the second half which would rightfully fall to the following generations?
As to the Japanese visiting, there have been plenty of comments over the years and in this thread concerning less than decorous behavior on their part at the USS Arizona memorial.
I am glad that I have never witnessed the indecorous behavior that you are describing. I have visited the Arizona Memorial on six separate occasions (going back to the year 2000) and I have never seen anyone, Japanese or otherwise, behave disrespectfully. Maybe I’ve just been lucky.
I will admit, though, when I see the Japanese visitors there, I always wonder to myself, what are they thinking? What is going through their minds at that moment? Given the whitewashing of their history, it may well be the first time that they’ve come face to face with the reality of what their forefathers wrought. It’s probably quite an eye opening experience for them. All in all, it’s probably a good thing that they go there and see it for themselves. Something about those who don’t know their history being condemned to repeat it, and all.
As for Mr. Abe visiting Pearl Harbor, I really don’t have a particular problem with it. But it ticks me off that our POS “president” will defile that sacred ground with his repulsive presence.
“25 years ago Pearl was infested with Japanese tourist of theWW2 era. Most were there to gloat.”
This, and some comment from someone hearing someone “giggle”?
One provides no evidence or even a supposed quote from these people he claims to have heard. The other....that is even less of a thing to go off of. A giggle with no context? Seriously? That’s the extent?
And it is clear whatever rude behavior one saw on so and such day in some year is not the norm as it would be far more well known as Pearl harbor is a major destination for Japanese people visiting Hawaii, and isn’t the responsibility of today’s emperor to take responsibility for anymore than some American doing something uncouth in some other nation.
Some people are just looking to be POd about something far beyond their need to do so.