Absence of direct 'apology' reveals Abe's lip service

Indeed, the wording of the Japanese leader's statement shows the true colors of the current nationalist government. Even before giving the address, Abe had defied convention by changing the date of his speech to Aug 14, while previous prime ministers had delivered theirs on Aug 15.

Such artifice will do little for his political image, especially at a time when his approval rating is falling steadily thanks, in part, to the passage of a controversial new security bill, which expands the role of its Self-Defense Forces at the lower house of parliament.

Owning up to its past aggressions and accepting the globally-acknowledged view of its wartime activities will not tarnish Japan's reputation within the international community.

Actually, in Germany's case sincere reconciliation efforts saw it elevated to a more comfortable role in the economic and political communities, both regionally and internationally.

Saturday marks 70 years since Japan formally surrendered, yet the wounds it inflicted upon its Asian neighbors have not yet healed.

Japan's wartime atrocities are regarded by many as one of the darkest periods of modern history, acknowledgement of this will release the country from the shackles of the past and concrete efforts can help heal the wounds of those it wronged.

Should Japan really want to be a reliable regional player, this should be the obligation of all its leaders.