Why sorry is still the hardest word to say for Japan, 70 years after the second world war

On the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war in Asia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe faces the conundrum of recognising Japan's past while explaining its future in East Asia. This includes coming to terms with Japan's imperial past. Abe's nationalist and conservative credentials make him the ideal candidate to deliver both messages, which would strengthen Japan's regional reputation.

Besides, finally dealing with the historical demons of its past would also benefit Japan. This leads us to ask why he hesitates to engage in an act that would be positive for Japan and the region.

Abe does not have a monopoly in terms of not fully accounting for Japan's imperial past. To date, no sitting Japanese prime minister has visited prominent second world war memorials dedicated to the Nanking Massacre, comfort women or other war-related issues. It is unlikely that Abe will take up President Xi Jinping's offer to join the 70th anniversary commemoration events on September 3 in Beijing, either.

This selective historical amnesia is rooted in post-war political factions that were never comfortable with the narrative that Japan was an aggressor state and that its military behaviour, particularly in East Asia, was any different than other nations at war.

Conservative politicians like Abe receive considerable support from the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association, an influential group that supports prime ministers and politicians visiting controversial sites of commemoration, such as the Yasukuni Shrine that honours senior military and political figures convicted of the most serious war crimes. Acknowledging wartime atrocities and accepting that the war conducted by imperial Japan was a war of aggression responsible for the death of tens of millions would be political suicide.

In short, domestic politics is tied to electing people who can mobilise conservative voters. As the "Prince of the Nationalists", as some commentators label him, Abe acts as a torch bearer for these views. Thus, as prime minister, Abe has wedded himself to political support groups that make it nearly impossible for him to acknowledge that past.

Furthermore, his track record delegitimises any attempt to convey remorse. Instead of appearing sincere, Abe's words and actions are seen as ideologically driven.