The government is considering building a national cemetery for the nation's war dead. The immediate reason for this is the political and diplomatic backlash caused by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Aug. 13 visit to Yasukuni Shrine. The visit has provoked angry protests from China and South Korea. At home, it has been roundly criticized by opposition parties, while ruling coalition member New Komeito has expressed its regret.
Visits to Yasukuni by prime ministers and Cabinet members have always stirred controversy here and abroad for more reasons than one. The idea of creating a national memorial -- one with no religious and political overtones -- has been floated before, but it has never been discussed as a practical proposition. Now, however, the Koizumi administration is moving to set up a private advisory panel to address the Yasukuni issue.
The move is welcome. But it should not end up merely a cosmetic step intended to defuse the controversy. The panel, which will report to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, should also examine the nation's past military aggression and colonial rule in a humble and critical spirit. The memorial plan must be an integral part of the nation's efforts to promote world peace and stability in the new century.