It probably doesn't beat out the whole pope death thing, but the big news these days are the anti-Japan demonstrations in China.

This has sparked quite a lively discussion on the MIJ forum. It seems that many wives (including myself) were taught about Manchukuo, the rape of Nanking, comfort women, etc. etc.

However, much of that is "glossed over" in Japanese history books.

Apparently many husbands of us foriegn wives, despite having more-than-usual exposure to world views, don't believe much of that happened, or at least don't believe that much of that happened to the extent it truly did.

It seems the "oh poor japan was beat up on" during world war 2 opinion is very strong. okay, granted they got two atomic bombs dropped on them, and that was terrible and unforgiveable, but it is NOT an excuse to do the horrible things japan did in the pacific arena to Korea, China, the phillipines, among others.

Just take responsibility, apologize, and get on with life. This refusal to acknowledge wrong doing on the part of Japan is reprehensible.

Not just Japan, either. But the scary part for me is the ratio of husbands who argued about whether the rape of nanking happened or not, etc. These are husbands with foriegn wives. These are a significantly more well traveled bunch then the average japanese person.

Scary.