Preamble
As citizens of Japan who cherish the values of liberalism and democracy,
we hereby declare our commitment to re-examining modern history, including the period of World War II, based on objective evidence rather than emotions or political agendas.
Historical understanding should never be monopolized by any government or ideology.
We believe that open inquiry and mutual understanding are the only paths to approaching historical truth.
Purpose
This declaration serves three main purposes:
- Protect the Freedom of Historical Inquiry
- Eliminate political pressure or labeling that hinders scholarly investigation.
- Analyze all sources fairly, including national archives, testimonies, and third-party documentation.
- Restore Japan’s Honor in the International Community
- Move beyond simplistic “aggressor vs. victim” narratives and present a fact-based understanding.
- Clarify Japan’s sincere, liberal-democratic stance against authoritarian interpretations of history.
- Responsibility to Future Generations
- Pass on history as “wisdom” rather than “guilt” and promote evidence-based historical education.
- Make historical re-examination a foundation for international peace and mutual respect.
Guidelines for Action
- Ensure an environment where researchers, educators, journalists, and citizens can freely examine sources and exchange views.
- Promote international collaborative research to foster mutual understanding of historical narratives.
- Publicly share research results based on primary sources through publications and digital media.
- Conduct all activities with academic integrity, not political motivation.
Conclusion
Japan has walked the path of a peaceful nation under the postwar international order,
supported by universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Now, under these values, we reaffirm the courage to pursue truth
and the intellect to respect others, illuminating history once again.
This declaration marks the starting point of a Japan-led movement for liberal historical re-examination,
ensuring that future generations can face the world with pride and dignity.
Published: November 2025
License: This document is freely redistributable and modifiable (equivalent to Creative Commons CC BY 4.0)