Originally posted in r/japan, reposted here per automod's wishes.
Recently, I've watched a video made by a YT channel from my country about Germany handles education about WW2. I was very interested at how they handle not just "the thing", but dig very deeply into both causes and consequences.
And then, in the comments, I saw a question about how such topics are handled in the other major axis power, Japan.
I tried googling myself and got… very mixed results.
Some said WW2 teachings went like "eh we were at war with the Allies I guess" and sweep most of it under rugs, especially the bad stuff in Indochina.
Others said that it is seen and taught as a period of great shame where fanaticism and dogma caused immeasurable violence.
Some say stuff lile Unit 731 is literally being denied by government officials to this day.
There was a story about a foreign student from JP who broke down in tears and started apologising profusely when WW2 was brought up in a conversation.
Is it up to individual schools or even teachers?
Overall this seems like a VERY taboo topic for Japanese people. Is it shame? Are they afraid of some kind of retribution?
And aren't they afraid that not teaching about the bad stuff your own country did is just begging for a round 2?
by gardeneyGnosticey