Posted on : Oct.13,2006 15:36 KST

Japan becomes the first country to enact new sanctions against North Korea since the North tested a nuclear explosive device. Japan’s approach was first noticed when, following Pyongyang’s launch of a series of missiles in early July, it took its own action even before the U.N. Security Council passed an official resolution.

Japan makes its move at a time when evidence that the North actually went through with a test is less than conclusive. The Japanese government does not even try to hide the fact it is trying to influence the direction of the discussion at the Security Council. Aspects of what is happening even lead you to think that Japan is coordinating its efforts with the U.S.

It is hard to understand why Japan is assuming the role of vanguard in increasing tensions in the region at a time when tensions are already at high levels in the wake of the North’s test. Japan still bears the "original sin" responsibility for the division of the Korean peninsula and the confrontation that continues today. The Korean populace still suffers from the effects of national division, war, and military confrontation, to say nothing of the scars of colonial rule. The slightest amount of carelessness could instantaneously turn the home the Korean people have built for themselves with sweat and tears atop the ruins of colonial rule and war into a pile of ashes.

It is inappropriate for the Abe administration to foster an atmosphere in Japan designed to make it seem like North Korean missiles armed with nuclear warheads are going to come flying towards the Japanese archipelago at any moment. Abe instead should be doing something to lessen the effects of the past.


The sanctions are overly harsh, as they almost completely ban all North Korean ships, goods, and people from Japan. Even a mouse will bite a cat when it is cornered. You worry that instead of brining about a peaceful resolution to the current crisis, Japan’s actions might bring about even greater ruin by encouraging the North to engage in irrational and desperate behavior. What guarantee is there that Japan won’t be hit by sparks flying from the Korean peninsula? Prime minister Abe worked his way out of political obscurity by taking a hard-line stance on Japanese abductees. Now that he is prime minister and thus assumes a heavy burden of responsibility, we hope he will not try to solidify his government’s position by taking swipes at North Korea.



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