  Japan has no way out with its current prime minister and governmentAkahata 'Current' column Reports about anti-Japan demonstrations in China remind us that an increasing number of convenience stores are opening there. Many of them are opened by Japanese companies. One company already has more than 210 outlets in Shanghai alone, and another more than 800 throughout China. The latter keeps 14 outlets in Beijing similar to those it has in Japan. Since last April, more than one store has opened each month. Using ideas to attract Beijing consumers, those companies are increasing sales. For example, taking into account that Chinese people do not buy ready-made take-out lunches, convenience stores offer warm meals in a lunch box made up of items chosen by customers. A public relations official of a convenience store operator said in relief, "We experienced no damage in the recent incident." This operator has opened its convenience store outlets in China at the request of the Chinese government. Accepting foreign capital and technology is the present Chinese economic development strategy. However, in protest against the fact that Japan that shows no remorse for its past wars, some Chinese began attacking the Japanese embassy and Japanese supermarkets. Organizers of the demonstrations called on protesters to comply with the law, warning against violent actions. No matter what reason is used, illegal behaviors are illegal. If such an illegal act harms China's image and keeps Japan from admitting the mistake of its war of aggression, those who fell victim to the war of aggression will not be relieved. Economic relations are increasing between Japan and China while dialogue stalls between the two governments. Everyone wants to see Japan-China relations untangled in a calm manner. Calmly deliberating the situation will lead to the hard fact that Japan will have no way out if it continues to allow the Prime Minister to visit Yasukuni Shrine and its government to praise textbooks that gloss over Japan's war of aggression. (Akahata April 13, 2005) |