The Relationship Between the Communist Party of China and the Japanese Communist Party During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

It is important to clarify the historical facts and summarize the characteristics of the communication and cooperation between the CPC and the JCP during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, as it holds historical and contemporary relevance. The research findings indicate that the Comintern played a crucial role as the key intermediary in facilitating the establishment of connections between the CPC and the JCP and in driving the deepening of their relationship. During their exchanges, both parties adhered to a flexible and multi-layered friendship based on the unified values of patriotism and internationalism. Their efforts played a significant role in the establishment of an international anti-fascist front in the East.

The Politics of War Apology： From Murayama to Abe

The issue of war apology remains important and controversial within Japan today, and between Japan and her neighbors. Since the 50th anniversary of the Japanese defeat on 15th August 1945, it has become customary for the Prime Minister to make a considered statement, normally including an apology for Japanese wartime atrocities and related issues. On 15th August 1995 the Socialist Prime Minister Murayama made a fulsome and unambiguous apology, which has been seen as the ＂gold standard＂ by countries at which it was directed, notably China and South Korea. The conservative Koizumi made a similar apology 10 years later. On 15th August 2015 the radical right wing Prime Minister Abe made a lengthy statement, interleaving apologies with explanations and justifications of Japan＇s past actions. This article analyses the texts of these and other relevant statements, and concludes that current war apology exercises are seriously undermined by the radical statements and policies of the Abe Government.

Japanese Social Mentality and the Change in the Approval Rates of the Abe Administration

From June to July of 2017, the approval rates of the Abe administration fell sharply, in stark contrast to the long-term stability since 2012. The stability of Abe＇ s approval rates originated from the people＇ s negative support for him and their opposition to the Security Laws and other important events as well as the scandals under his administration. The opposition and negative support originated from the people＇s ＂acquired helplessness＂, ＂Abenomics＂, the sharp drop in the opporttmity costs of voting and other conditions. The sudden fall of Abe＇ s approval rates was not due to the change in the aforementioned conditions, rather because of the collapse of his image including personality owing to Abe＇ s perceived arrogance and his estrangement with the people. In the context of the temporary stabilization of approval rates, Abe dissolved the House of Representatives ahead of schedule and held a general election, taking full advantage of the internal strife between the opposition parties, to achieve his goal of ruling until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His victory in the recent election does not accurately demonstrate that Abe is completely immune to negative impact, thus he will to use the Korean Peninsula crisis and other issues to demonstrate his ability of safeguarding Japan＇s security, seek reconstruction of his image, and further enhance his approval rate to stabilize his administration.