This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a time for reflection on how different nations remember and commemorate this significant event.
Across the globe, observations of WWII vary greatly, influenced by national experiences and historical contexts. In the United States, for example, WWII commemorations differ markedly between the European and Asia-Pacific theaters.
The United States celebrates the victory in Europe primarily as a military and ethical triumph, highlighted by pivotal moments like the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
In contrast, the Pacific victory is viewed through a more complex lens, fraught with controversies surrounding the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, perceived ‘victor’s justice’ at the Tokyo Tribunal, and the underlying racial dynamics within the U.S.-Japan conflict, which included the internment of Japanese Americans.
American commemorations disproportionately focus on events such as Pearl Harbor and the subsequent U.S. victory over Japan.
In Asia, the narrative is further complicated.
Within the region, memories of the war differ widely and often lead to conflicted interpretations.
Japan’s remembrance of WWII emphasizes narratives of victimhood and pacifism, whereas neighboring countries such as China and Korea prioritize Japanese wartime atrocities, including the Nanjing Massacre, forced labor, and sexual slavery.
This significant divergence means there are no unifying dates or events commemorated collectively by Asian nations.
Memories have become sources of tension, and China’s interpretation of the Asia-Pacific War often serves to foster anti-foreign nationalism, particularly directed against the United States.
## Divergent Memories and Commemorations
A scholarly examination of these varied historical memories reveals stark differences in how nations recall the war.
For Chinese and Korean populations, Japanese wartime aggression remains central to their collective memory.
Conversely, for Japan, the focus is predominantly on the Americans, particularly events like Pearl Harbor and the devastating bombings of Japanese cities.
As a result, these perspectives greatly influence how the war is commemorated.
In China, the celebration of victory over Japan occurs on September 3, while Koreans acknowledge their liberation from Japanese rule on August 15.
In Japan, however, there is no singular national day dedicated to remembering the war, reflecting a broader ambivalence about its past.
Instead, memorial services are held in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, respectively.
August 15 is recognized in Japan as the ‘End of War Memorial Day,’ during which political leaders often visit Yasukuni Shrine, where contentious war figures are commemorated.
In the United States, the official remembrance centers on the Pearl Harbor attack, observed every December 7 with memorial events.
However, there is a growing critical reflection on past actions, especially regarding the Manhattan Project and its lasting implications.
While U.S. leaders commemorate D-Day with European counterparts, no corresponding collective observance appears to take place with Asian leaders, further illustrating the fractured nature of memorialization in relation to the war.
## Contemporary Politics and Legacies
These historical memories play a vital role in shaping contemporary politics across the Asia-Pacific region.
Especially in Japan’s relations with neighboring countries, these divergent narratives contribute to ongoing tensions and challenges.
Japan’s focus on the U.S. in its memory of the war allows for a specific narrative of victimhood to emerge, framing the bombings as a tragedy borne by innocent civilians while often neglecting discussions around its wartime aggression.
This victimhood narrative has also led to the growth of neo-nationalism in Japan, which seeks to deny responsibility for wartime crimes, complicating efforts for reconciliation with both China and Korea.
As a result, anti-Japanese sentiments have simmered in these neighboring nations throughout much of the postwar period.
Conversely, China actively utilizes historical narratives surrounding WWII to bolster anti-foreign sentiments, leading the nation to assert its previous victimhood and celebrate its resistance against Japanese imperialism.
Framing the conflict as the ‘War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, 1937–1945,’ China portrays itself as both a victim and a victor, which has been manipulated politically to foster nationalistic sentiments and undermine foreign dominance, particularly that of the United States.
This appropriation of historical memory serves the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative, reinforcing its claim to represent the legitimate aspiration of the Chinese populace.
## Urgency for Shared Commemoration
As the 80th anniversary approaches, calls for shared commemorative practices have resurfaced.
In 2015, on the 70th anniversary, there was an urgent call for Asia-Pacific leaders to promote a framework for commemorating shared experiences of conflict and colonialism with the aim of strengthening regional peace.
Recognizing commonalities in history could help alleviate ongoing disputes and foster a sense of unity and collaboration among nations with fraught pasts.
This call to action has become even more critical in a political landscape dominated by nationalistic leaders who exploit historical grievances for political gain.
The distortion of historical memories continues to be a tool for division and tension among nations, illustrating the pressing need for dialogue and shared understanding.
Only through collective remembrance can the Asia-Pacific region build a foundation for lasting peace, making substantial strides toward a more cooperative future based on lessons learned from shared histories.
image source from：aparc
