Tam Tak-hang, 57, says he holds out little hope that Japan will face up to darker aspects of its history; Fare from Quarry Bay to Tuen Mun: $ 338.40
I do not think the mainland demonstrators who are protesting against Japan have been too radical. It is understandable why they are so angry and agitated, and why they hate Japan so much. Their grandparents or parents were killed and tortured by the Japanese, and it is natural that they feel furious when news reports say the education department in Japan once again distorts the truth in their history books.
I think mainlanders will pick up the culture of holding demonstrations very quickly. The public is now enjoying rapid economic growth and they are more educated now. The easy access to information and news around the world makes it hard for the central government to impose censorship or keep people in the dark.
But it is unrealistic for the protesters to say that everyone should boycott Japanese goods. Japanese goods are everywhere and of high quality. I cannot name any electrical appliance at my home that is not made in Japan. I cannot replace them all with mainland products, which are often poorly made and might be involved in fires and accidents.
We must be sensible and realise it was the Japanese government in the 1940s that was responsible for committing war crimes.
Germany dares to admit that their country did horrible things to the Jewish communities in Europe during the second world war, but I think Japan will never do that. This might be because of the differences between western and Asian cultures.
Asians tend to cover up their mistakes, as they are worried that they will feel embarrassed when they have to admit their wrongdoings not only to the world, but to their youngsters, who have great respect for the older generation.