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Asahi Shimbun
6 days ago
- General
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: History lessons too often skip imperial Japan's war atrocities
Imperial Japanese Army troops at the Marco Polo Bridge in the suburbs of Beijing in 1937 where the Second Sino-Japanese War began (Asahi Shimbun file photo) I leafed through the pages of a thick tome titled 'Takasakishishi,' a history of the city of Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture. There, I came across an account of the Imperial Japanese Army's 215th Regiment, which had been stationed in the area during World War II. The unit was deployed to the Burma campaign, a series of military operations fought in what was then the British colony of Burma—today's Myanmar. It was in a village called Kalagon where a notorious atrocity took place. On the evening of July 7, 1945—exactly 80 years ago today—soldiers of the regiment's 3rd Battalion entered and occupied the village under orders to sweep the area for guerrillas suspected of collaborating with British paratroopers. They rounded up the residents and subjected them to harsh interrogations in an effort to identify those aiding British forces. The following day on July 8, out of approximately 1,000 villagers, more than 600 were massacred. Among the victims were children, the elderly, women and men. Later, the soldiers set fire to the village. Records of the postwar British tribunal that investigated the massacre are preserved in the city's history. Maj. Seigi Ichikawa, the commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, admitted to the killings along with other defendants. However, they claimed that the massacre was 'a lawful reprisal' for acts of hostility committed by some of the villagers. According to Japanese historian Hirofumi Hayashi's 'Sabakareta Senso Hanzai' ("War crimes on trial"), the battalion commander was asked why he had taken the lives of even infants during the tribunal. He replied, 'To save time and accomplish my mission.' He further stated that the orders from his superiors 'included killing the children.' Eighty years after the war, how many people today still remember—or even know of—this incident? Even memories of the victims of war are not easily passed down. All the more so, the history of perpetrators—unless we make a deliberate effort—can all too easily fade without a trace. Today, July 7, is also the anniversary of the 1937 Lugouqiao Incident, better known as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, when clashes between Chinese and Japanese troops near the Marco Polo Bridge outside Beiping (now Beijing) erupted. This seemingly localized skirmish drew Japan into a dark and disastrous war against China. This too is a grim chapter in Japan's wartime history that must never be forgotten. —The Asahi Shimbun, July 7 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
King Charles takes veiled swipe at Donald Trump over Canada
Britain's King Charles III threw his weight behind Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, in a pointed show of unity as President Donald Trump continues to push for Canada to become America's 51st state. 'Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling,' the King said, addressing Parliament in both English and French. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: King Charles takes veiled swipe at Donald Trump. Calling it a 'critical moment,' Charles emphasized Canada's core democratic values and signaled the Carney government's resolve to defend them. 'Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values that Canadians hold dear and one which the government is determined to protect,' he said. 'The system of open global trade, that while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada's relationships with partners is also changing.' Charles said Carney and Trump 'have begun defining a new economic and security relationship,' one 'rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations.' While Charles serves as Canada's nonpartisan monarch and is currently undergoing cancer treatment, he did not author the speech — it was written by the Carney government as part of the formal Speech from the Throne. The monarch's comments come after President Trump made repeated calls to make Canada the 51st US state. Credit: Supplied / AAP Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those in attendance, dressed in a suit paired with green and orange sneakers. 'Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart,' Charles said. 'I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.' He ended his address with a patriotic nod: 'As the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free,' prompting applause from lawmakers. Before the speech, Charles and Queen Camilla arrived by horse-drawn carriage at the Senate of Canada Building, where he was greeted by a 100-person guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. On Monday, the King met with Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, Canada's first Indigenous head of state representative. Though the monarchy holds limited sway over Canadian public opinion, Charles has stepped up symbolic gestures in recent months, from planting a maple tree to wearing Canadian medals and calling himself the 'King of Canada.' Carney, who took office in April after winning his party's leadership in March, said Charles' visit 'speaks to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.' The tone marked a shift from earlier this month, when Carney criticized the British government for hosting Trump, saying the invitation undermined Canada's efforts to present a united front against talk of U.S. annexation. Since January, Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should become part of the United States — remarks that have sparked outrage among Canadians and diplomatic unease in London. Charles is set to return to the U.K. later Tuesday after visiting Canada's National War Memorial.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada is at 'critical moment,' King Charles tells parliament amid Trump annexation threats
Britain's King Charles III outlined new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's government priorities at the country's parliament on Tuesday, in what is being seen as a show of support in the face of President Donald Trump's threats to annex America's neighbor. "Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling," he said in the speech, switching between English and French. The country was facing another "critical moment," he said. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self determination and freedom are values that Canadians hold dear and one which the government is determined to protect," Charles added. "The system of open global trade, that while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada's relationships with partners is also changing." Charles said Carney and Trump "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship,' adding that this was "rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations." The monarch, still undergoing cancer treatment, is the nonpartisan head of state in Canada — a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies — but he did not write the speech. Instead, he read what was presented to him by Canada's government to lawmakers in the country's capital, Ottawa. Among them was former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who wore green and orange sneakers with his suit. "Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart," Charles said. "I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians." Concluding his speech, Charles praised Canada as a "force for good" in the world. "As the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free," he said, earning a round of applause from lawmakers. Before the speech, Charles was taken to the Senate of Canada Building in a horse-drawn carriage with Queen Camilla. There, he received the Royal Salute from the 100-person guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment before entering the chamber. Charles on Monday also met with Carney and Mary Simon, Canada's first-ever Indigenous governor general, who serves as the king's representative to the country. Canadians are largely indifferent to the royal family, and it is rare for the monarch to deliver what is known as the Speech from the Throne. The last time was in 1977, when Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, read it for only the second time in her 70-year reign. But Carney, who won a party race to become prime minister in March before he secured victory in Canada's election last month by vowing to stand up Trump, said in a statement Monday that Charles' visit spoke 'to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.' It was a change in tone from earlier this month, when he criticized Britain's invitation to Trump for a second state visit, saying it undermined his government's effort to project a united front against the U.S. president's talk of annexing Canada. Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly said he wants Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, a suggestion that has angered Canadians and left the U.K. trying to tread a fine line between the two North American countries. Charles has also made a number of symbolic gestures in recent months, wearing Canadian medals, planting a maple tree and referring to himself as the king of Canada. Even so, earlier this month, Carney told British broadcaster Sky News, NBC News' international partner, that Canadians 'weren't impressed' by Trump's invite to the palace. 'It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty,' he said. Charles will return to the U.K. later Tuesday, following the speech and a visit to Canada's National War Memorial. This article was originally published on
NBC News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Canada is at 'critical moment,' King Charles tells parliament amid Trump annexation threats
Britain's King Charles III outlined new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's government priorities at the country's parliament on Tuesday, in what is being seen as a show of support in the face of President Donald Trump's threats to annex America's neighbor. "Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling," he said in the speech, switching between English and French. The country was facing another "critical moment," he said. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self determination and freedom are values that Canadians hold dear and one which the government is determined to protect," Charles added. "The system of open global trade, that while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada's relationships with partners is also changing." Charles said Carney and Trump "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship,' adding that this was "rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations." The monarch, still undergoing cancer treatment, is the nonpartisan head of state in Canada — a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies — but he did not write the speech. Instead, he read what was presented to him by Canada's government to lawmakers in the country's capital, Ottawa. Among them was former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who wore green and orange sneakers with his suit. "Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart," Charles said. "I've always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians." Concluding his speech, Charles praised Canada as a "force for good" in the world. "As the anthem reminds us: The true north is indeed strong and free," he said, earning a round of applause from lawmakers. Before the speech, Charles was taken to the Senate of Canada Building in a horse-drawn carriage with Queen Camilla. There, he received the Royal Salute from the 100-person guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment before entering the chamber. Charles on Monday also met with Carney and Mary Simon, Canada's first-ever Indigenous governor general, who serves as the king's representative to the country. Canadians are largely indifferent to the royal family, and it is rare for the monarch to deliver what is known as the Speech from the Throne. The last time was in 1977, when Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II, read it for only the second time in her 70-year reign. But Carney, who won a party race to become prime minister in March before he secured victory in Canada's election last month by vowing to stand up Trump, said in a statement Monday that Charles' visit spoke 'to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our distinct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.' It was a change in tone from earlier this month, when he criticized Britain's invitation to Trump for a second state visit, saying it undermined his government's effort to project a united front against the U.S. president's talk of annexing Canada. Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly said he wants Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, a suggestion that has angered Canadians and left the U.K. trying to tread a fine line between the two North American countries. Charles has also made a number of symbolic gestures in recent months, wearing Canadian medals, planting a maple tree and referring to himself as the king of Canada. Even so, earlier this month, Carney told British broadcaster Sky News, NBC News' international partner, that Canadians 'weren't impressed' by Trump's invite to the palace. 'It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty,' he said. Charles will return to the U.K. later Tuesday, following the speech and a visit to Canada's National War Memorial.
Ottawa Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
LIVE: Crowds gather to witness King Charles ahead of the speech from the throne
Article content King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to promenade down Wellington Street this morning as part of their royal visit to the capital. Article content Article content The procession will start at the Bank of Canada at about 9:50 a.m., and arrive at the Senate at about 10:15, where the King and Queen will be greeted by a guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment and receive a 21-gun salute. Article content From the Senate floor, the King will give the speech from the throne, which will set the agenda for the new government of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Article content Tuesday is the second day of a two-day visit. Monday, Charles and Camilla visited Lansdowne Park where they were greeted by thousands of onlookers Article content You can expect serious traffic delays because of road closures for the royal visit and procession. Article content Our reporters Paula Tran and Matteo Cimellaro are live on the ground talking to locals and visitors alike, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they make their way to Parliament. Article content Article content Good morning! People are lining up along Wellington Street to see King Charles as he walks up to the Senate building to deliver the throne speech this morning. Lots of people lined up as early as 5am to get a prime spot. #RoyalVisitCanada — Paula Tran 陳寶拉 (@paulatr12) May 27, 2025 Article content What it takes to get a good spot: lining up at 5 a.m. Article content Article content Trevor Henderson travelled all the way from Toronto to see the royal tour. He claimed his spot at 5 in the morning, with the hope of shaking hands with the King. Article content Henderson is a royal watcher, enamoured with the living history the monarchy represents. Article content 'As a history junkie and politics there, a blend of both,' Henderson said. '[King Charles III] is a piece of a living piece of history that's been how many 1000 years of continual, almost continuous, rule. I find it super interesting.' Henderson also understands the political meaning of the visit, given the threats of annexation from U.S. President Donald Trump. Henderson thinks the royal tour is sending a clear message about Canadian sovereignty. Article content 'There's someone who needs to hear it from someone that he respects, and we know he respects royal Royals around the world, any royal he seems to respect,' Henderson added. Article content Article content Others like Mary Gibb and Janice Kendrick from Ottawa are paying a visit to witness the historic moment, imbued with political tension around sovereignty. Article content Article content 'I think it was very clever of Carney to ask him, and it sends a message politically, our friends in the south, we are a sovereign country. We're not a republic,' Gibb said. Article content 'I feel like everybody's here because there's like the king has our back. And I'm like, but whose backs do we have? And frankly, our backs don't need to be covered right now,' Stratford said.
