The 57th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II passed quietly, in part because Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi skipped a visit to Yasukuni Shrine this month. His trip to the shrine last August stirred up controversy both here and abroad, particularly in China and South Korea. To avoid a similar flap this year, Mr. Koizumi visited the shrine during its spring festival in April.
The quiet atmosphere surrounding this year's "war end" anniversary is also a reminder that the memories of Aug. 15, 1945, are fading among the Japanese people. That may be unavoidable given the passage of time. However, this date must be remembered by all Japanese as an occasion not only to pray for those who died in the Pacific War but also to reaffirm our endeavor for world peace and stability.
The world today appears to be entering a new age of confrontation and conflict. The much-heralded "new world order" following the end of the Cold War has proved a mirage. What we are seeing now in many parts of the world is more disintegration and confrontation, not more integration and stability.