If drawing a comparison between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, it can be noted that they have some things in common apart from holding the same posts. Both of them have no memory of World War II, which happened 60 years ago. Koizumi was born on January 8, 1942 and Schroder on April 7, 1944. Their birthplaces are both in the central parts of their native countries and their fathers both served as tools of the aggressive policies of 60 years ago.

Schroder was no more than a one-year-old boy when his father, a soldier, died in action. The death notification sent to his mother was written like this, "Private Fritz Schroder was killed in Romania during World War II and he died for the German Empire and people during the German army's withdrawal''. His father was dead at the age of 32.

Koizumi's father took part in the activities of the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, a fascist organization which was established during World War II in line with the Nazi organizational form and followed the then-Japanese militarist system. The organization was purged and disbanded after the war and the participants were banned from taking any public posts. Upon the cancellation of this purge in 1952, his father threw himself into political circles again and later became the Japanese defense minister.

In comparing Koizumi with Schroder, there are also some differences. For example, Koizumi majored in economics at the university while Schroder majored in law. Koizumi once studied overseas and Schroder had no such an experience. Let's talks about the differences of the two since the beginning of this year. 2005 is the year marking the world victory in the Anti-Fascist War and world opinion is especially concerned about the remarks made by Japanese and German leaders. First of all, let's talk about their attitudes towards what happened 60 years ago. Koizumi told the Asia-Africa Summit in Jarkata, Indonesia in April that he expressed "deep remorse'' and "heartfelt apology'' for his country's colonial rule and aggression in Asian countries. But actually he only repeated what former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama had said. Koizumi has always been proud of his lucid and lively remarks with agitation. However, upon coming to this apology, he only repeated what others have said and his remarks sounded dull.

On the contrary, in an interview with the visiting South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun on April 13th, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder said, "[Germany] will not lose friends but will instead win them through facing up to its own history with a prudent and self-critical attitude." In an article carried on the Russian "Komsomolskaya Pravda'' on May 7th Schroder wrote, "We apologize for the disasters we inflicted on the people of Russia and other countries in the name of Germans and beg for your pardon''.

Let's talk of their behaviors in international arenas. On May 9th, when leaders from various countries who attended the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Russian Patriotic War went slowly to the nameless martyrs' tombs from rostrum, Koizumi suddenly quickened his steps and went to the forefront. He patted the shoulder of US President George W. Bush and talked with him smilingly, just as if they were attending a banquet. Whereas following them, Schroder's face was grave. Making a comparison between Japan and Germany, there are many things in common. Both were axis powers during World War II and committed anti-peace and war-launching crimes. After the war, both started to become economic powers simultaneously. This year the two are seeking permanent seats on the powerful UN organization, trying hard to become big political powers.

And there are differences for the two nations. The most evident and easiest difference to distinguish is the difference in relations that each has with its neighbors. Germany has achieved reconciliation with its neighbors and has won respect. Japan, on the other hand, has repeatedly had long-term frictions with its neighbors and the top reason for the frictions is the issue of history. Judging from the personal life experiences, words and deeds of Koizumi and Schroder, it is not difficult to see where the frictions come from. How do we transcend the obstacles of historical issues? There is a saying from the ancients: "The onlooker sees most of the game''. The viewpoint from a German newspaper also offers a reference: If Japan fails to learn to accept how to face up to history from the angle of its neighbors, it will be impossible for Japan to realize true reconciliation with its neighbors forever.

By People's Daily Online