Museum glorifying war of aggression is being built

Akahata of May 8 reported that a memorial hall being built in a government-run park to honor the late Emperor Showa (Hirohito) is causing public concerns. "It can be used to justify the Japanese war of aggression and the pre-war repressive rule," Akahata stated.

The park is located in Tachikawa City in Tokyo's western suburb and visited by more than two million people a year.

The completion of the museum is scheduled for the autumn of 2005. Items of display will include the Emperor Showa's images, pictures, paintings, and his belongings as well as those of the empress.

The Emperor Showa was Japan's supreme leader responsible for its war of aggression that killed more than 20 million Asian people in addition to 3.1 million Japanese people. Domestically, he was responsible for the suppression of democracy that took many lives through the Maintenance of Public Order Law.

Nevertheless, a public corporation that will cooperate with the museum in arranging the display made it clear that its aim is to "establish and run the museum in order to honor Emperor Showa and make him known to future generations."

Following the announcement in April 2002 of the construction plan, the Federation of Neighborhood Associations planned to raise money to contribute to the construction of the museum, in clear violation of freedom of thought and creed. The Japanese Communist Party, together with local residents, stopped this move after protesting to the local government's mayor and assembly. (end)