Revisionist History

This poster at the entrance to Gokoku Shrine, Niigata, encourages the visitor to cultivate mindfulness and reverence regarding Japan's WW2 dead, as we approach 79 years since the end of WW2. Nothing wrong with honoring those who died protecting the homeland against aggressor nations. There's just this problem: Japan was the aggressor, whether in Pearl Harbor, Machuria, or the Korean peninsula (a short list, yes). Here's a fair translation of the text: Let us remember those who paid the ultimate price protecting us. Do you know about those who fought for us? Have you heard the voices of our saviors? Do you comprehend the thoughts of those who went to war? How did that work for you, Japan? Between 2.5 and 3 million Japanese in uniform died during WW2. Including those who perished in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, civilian deaths totaled between 400 thousand and 1 million. Gokoku Shrine worthies, let us not forget the inhabitants of Nanking. The Japanese operation in that city is commonly referred to as The Rape of Nanking. During its 6-week lark in 1937, the protectors of Japan massacred over 200,000 civilians. (There are videos. I do not recommend.) Imminent invasion of the Japanese archipelago thereby prevented. To recapitulate: honor your war dead. But don't dishonor them with your lies.