Seventy five years ago, Japanese warplanes known as the dreaded zero have mounted an aerial bombardment at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Later this month, a sitting Japanese Prime Minister will visit the former US naval stronghold to extend a reconciliatory approach between nations that fought against each other during the Second World War.
Seven months after outgoing US leader Barack Obama became the first American President in office to visit Hiroshima, Japan's highest statesman Shinzo Abe will be returning the favor. On December 26 to 27, he will be joining Obama in visiting Hawaii.
The Japanese Prime Minister will become the first top-ranking official from the Land of the Rising Sun to set foot on the historic Pearl Harbor. It can be recalled that the former naval base has suffered from a devastating assault that resulted in the deaths of more than 2,400 US military personnel and civilians.
Washington has confirmed the recent development, stating that the visit of the two leaders will promote harmony which has been vital in transforming a couple of adversaries into allies whose common interests and values they both shared.
Abe has stated that he and his American counterpart will comfort the souls of the victims. He adds that it his intention that the atrocities of war should never recur again.
Last May, Obama has received praise from the Japan's Prime Minister for issuing a statement at Hiroshima's memorial that was dedicated to the 140,000 victims of an atomic bomb dropped by the Americans in August of 1945. Along the way, the US leader has dropped by at the city's peace museum.
Although Obama met some survivors of the bombing assault, no apologies have been offered.
Abe's plan to go to Pearl Harbor has been perceived following his wife Akie's at the place last August.
The Prime Minister's decision has taken a significant step during the latest APEC Summit in Peru when he and Obama agreed to visit Pearl Harbor together.
