Former POWs want to meet emperor in Britain to spell out their grievances

Emperor Akihito, who arrives in Britain on Sunday for an official visit, will not face any of the protests he had to endure on his last trip, but former prisoners of war would still like to meet him and spell out their grievances.

Emperor Akihito's state visit to Britain in 1998 turned into something of a public relations disaster, when former Japanese POWs turned their backs on him and burned a Japanese flag as he rode with Queen Elizabeth in a royal carriage through central London.

Later, as Emperor Akihito laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey, around 500 protesters once again turned their backs on the Japanese emperor. They also started humming "Colonel Bogey," a song whistled by British POWs while working to build a bridge over the River Kwai in Burma (now Myanmar).

The ex-POWs were, and still are, pressing Japan for a meaningful apology and compensation for their suffering during World War II. Thousands of POWs died in captivity as a result of the grueling conditions they had to endure. They were also angry at Britain's decision to award the Order of the Garter to Emperor Akihito.

Instead of a positive visit emphasizing the otherwise harmonious state of relations between the two countries, the adverse publicity in 1998 served to reopen old wounds.

However, nine years on, a more moderate approach seems to be being taken. With most of the veterans either deceased or in their 90s, no such demonstrations are planned during the emperor's three-day stay.

Arthur Titherington, chairman of the Japanese Labour Camp Survivors' Association, said any apology would have to come from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but the emperor could influence him. He is seeking a short meeting with Emperor Akihito during his visit to Oxford University.

He said, "I would like, more than anything, to meet Emperor Akihito and speak about our problems getting a proper and meaningful apology from the Japanese government.

"I would ask him whether he had the authority to make the government see that in order to create a better relationship, a meaningful apology and compensation is the answer.

"Don't get me wrong, I have no ax to grind with him. He has done nothing wrong and was far too young during the war to bear any responsibility. I really do feel that nothing but good could come by meeting him."

Titherington claims the declaration from Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995 — in which he expressed "deep remorse" and a "heartfelt apology" for suffering caused by Japan during World War II — did not go far enough. He claims the Japanese language used amounted to a "regret."

Instead, Titherington would like to see the word 'shazai' used, the Japanese term for a formal apology. Titherington went on to explain that it means, "I have committed a sin for which I humbly apologize."

Back in 1998 on his state visit, the emperor spoke of his "deep sorrow and pain" over the suffering inflicted by Japan during the Second World War, but the veterans felt this fell well short of what they demanded.

But nine years on, Titherington does not regret the demonstration he helped to organize for the state visit, despite accusations the veterans were manipulated by the British media looking for a good story.

He said, "That demonstration was as much to try and shame our government as much as the Japanese government."

And Titherington believes the protest may have helped "nudge" the British government two years later into giving $20,000 each to former servicemen who were imprisoned by the Japanese. The cash was paid in recognition of their treatment and the derisory financial settlement each former POW received at the end of the war from Japan following the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951.

He felt, however, that this money should have come from Japan instead of the British government. Britain has always shied away from pressing any claim with Japan, claiming the matter was settled with the signing of the treaty.

The issue of an apology and compensation has always divided the former POW community, with some thinking that it is best to move on after all these years and look to the future.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will visit Britain between May 27 and 29. During their stay, they will attend a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth and visit Oxford University.