Japan Apologizes To American POWs Who Suffered In Bataan Death March

Far too little, far too late!

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SAN DIEGO (Nikkei)--The Japanese government has extended an apology through its ambassador in the U.S. to former American prisoners of war who suffered in the "Bataan Death March" in the Philippines during World War II, it was learned May 9. It marked the first time for Japanto apologize specifically to those who survived the infamous march on the Bataan Peninsula, which resulted in numerous deaths. The commander of the group representing POWs said, "It took a long time, but I am glad to hear a formal apology from the Japanese government."

The POW group is called "American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor," and led by Commander Lester Tenney, 88, a professor emeritus at Arizona State University. The group is scheduled to disband by the end of this month due to aging of the members.

The apology was extended in the letter by Japan's ambassador to the U.S., Ichiro Fujisaki, based in Washington, D.C. Fujisaki said in the letter to Tenney last December, "We extend a heartfelt apology for our country having caused tremendous damage and suffering to many people, including those who have undergone tragic experiences in the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in the Philippines." In February, Fujisaki sent another letter, which said, "What we informed you in the previous letter is the result of careful consideration, and it reflects fully the Government of Japan's position."

In 2001, Makiko Tanaka, then foreign minister of Japan, extended the country's apology to former POWs in general terms. Attending the 50th anniversary of the treaty that ended World War II in San Francisco, Tanaka said, "We have never forgotten that Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries during the last war. The war has left an incurable scar on many people, including former prisoners of war. Facing these facts of history in a spirit of humility, I reaffirm today our feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology expressed in Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's statement of 1995."

This time, Fujisaki specifically mentioned "Bataan Peninsula," and directly extended an apology to those who suffered there. In doing so, "we took half a step forward," a Japanese government official who is close to the situation said. Fujisaki explained that the Japanese government's basic stance has been consistent, and the previous statements by the prime minister and the foreign minister included apologies to POWs like Tenney.

"Mr. Tenney told me last November they didn't think the apology had been directed to them. So I took their feelings into consideration as much as I could, and made it more specific so that they can clearly understand the apology is being extended to them," he said.

In 1999, Tenny sued Japanese companies that used him and other POWs as slave labor during the war. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2003 dismissed his case, noting that the U.S. waived the right to claims under the San Francisco Peace Treaty with Japan. But, Tenney says, "Moral responsibility of those companies remains." He is still waiting to hear an apology from them.