Asian editorial excerpts

Asian Political News, Feb 19, 2007

TOKYO, Feb. 14 Kyodo

Selected editorial excerpts from the Asia-Pacific press:

JOINT HISTORY TEXTBOOK (The Korea Times, Seoul)

A history textbook will soon be published in Korea and Japan simultaneously. The book, titled ''History of Exchange between Korea and Japan from Ancient to Modern Times,'' is the fruit of 10 years of work by some 30 history teachers of the two countries. It is a major step forward in the effort to narrow the gap on the perception of history between the people of the two neighboring nations.

Despite geographical proximity, the two nations are far apart when it comes to their perceptions of history. The difference of perception of historic facts has long been a seed of contention between the nations. We know that remarks of Japanese politicians denying wartime atrocities involving sex slavery have often developed into diplomatic disputes. The teachers of both countries who took part in the project deserve praise for having established an important milestone in the relationship between the two nations.

The general notion among the Koreans is that people from the Korean Peninsula played a major role in the creation of the ancient Japanese kingdom and helped develop its culture. But Japanese see it differently and think that they were above Korea throughout history. Some Japanese went so far as to claim that they colonized part of the Korean Peninsula in ancient times.

Noteworthy thing is that the new textbook tried to objectively illuminate many historic events viewed differently by both nations. Most Japanese textbooks now in use fail to mention the rampant Japanese plundering of Korean treasures during the colonial rule. But the new book admitted that. On the other hand, the book also mentioned the hardships forced on Japanese residing in Korea soon after the war, a fact rarely admitted here.

The mutual recognition in the new book resulted from incessant discussion between those teaching history in both countries. The success, though partial, shows that there is nothing that can't be solved by deepening mutual understanding. It is also significant in that the teachers of both nations have suggested an effective means of solving confrontation over the differences between historic perceptions.

The joint publication of a history book should serve as a cornerstone to further expand similar activities among the private organizations of the two countries. It is in the interest of nobody for hatreds to remain. It is hoped the new textbook will contribute greatly to deepening understanding between the two nations.

(Feb. 14)