Japanese anti-war activist says Tokyo must reckon with its history of aggression

The anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, known as National Liberation Day in Korea, is met with differing perspectives in Japan. To Japanese peace activist Nahoko Hishiyama, 39, Aug. 15 should be remembered not as the "end of World War II" but as the day Japan was defeated, marking the end of the country's history of aggression.

Hishiyama, who co-heads a coalition group against revisions to Japan's pacifist constitution, expressed concern that the Japanese government, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's leadership, may revise the constitution to allow for rearmament. Hishiyama, who has been observing the Korean civic movement for the past decade, believes that true peace arises from civilian solidarity, not government diplomacy.

She has introduced the use of light sticks, a symbol from Korean protests, to Japanese rallies, which has helped create a more peaceful atmosphere. Despite facing opposition from hate groups, Hishiyama remains hopeful that people-to-people diplomacy can bridge the divide between Korea and Japan.