Former Japan PM cautions politicians against repeating mistakes

Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama has urged Japanese politicians to be clearer about the history of Japanese colonial rule and aggression towards its Asian neighbors, cautioning against repeating mistakes.

Murayama made the remarks during an interview with the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party of China, ahead of the 68th anniversary of Chinese victory in the war against Japanese aggression on Sept. 3.

"I am very worried about the Japanese swing to political right ," said Murayama in the interview, published on Monday.

He believes that Japan must forge a solid foundation of trust with other Asian countries with string geopolitical and historical connections.

In 1995, in what was called the "Murayama Statement," the then Japanese Prime Minister apologized for the country's past behavior, saying that Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering in many countries, particularly in Asia, through colonial rule and invasions.

About the statement, Murayama said that if Japan wants to co-exist with the rest of Asia and the world, it must face up to its history of aggression.

Murayama said if Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe denies the history of Japanese aggression, severe mistrust will arise from the countries concerned.

Murayama said he will absolutely not allow changes to Japan'sconstitution which honors human rights, peace and democracy.