Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki (83), who was selected as this year’s Magsaysay Award winner, said in his acceptance speech that we should not forget the fact that Japan massacred civilians during the Pacific War.
According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 24th, director Miyazaki delivered this message through Kenichi Yoda, director of Studio Ghibli, who served as a proxy winner at the Magsaysay Award ceremony held in Manila, Philippines on the 16th.
Director Miyazaki said, “The award made me think about the Philippines again,” adding, “The Japanese did a lot of cruel things during the war. Killed many civilians. “The Japanese must not forget this,” he said.
He continued, “Amid such history, I solemnly accept that I am receiving the Magsaysay Award in the Philippines. I am truly grateful.”
The Asahi Shimbun reported that the civilian massacre mentioned by director Miyazaki in his impressions took place in February 1945, when the Japanese army, which occupied the Philippines, fought in Manila with the Allied Forces, including the US Army, during the Pacific War. At this time, the Allied Forces retreated and the Japanese army killed about 10 Filipinos. He explained that it refers to an incident in which 10,000 people were massacred.
Director Miyazaki has previously criticized the Japanese government for being passive in reflecting on its past history by saying that Japan should apologize for the comfort women issue.
Regarding the reason for selecting director Hayao Miyazaki as the winner, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, which presented the award, said, “Not only was the work commercially successful, but it also expressed a deep understanding of humanity, urging viewers to reflect and be considerate.” “We help children understand issues such as peace and women’s rights through art,” he explained.
He added, “It reminded us of the importance of facing and remembering our past history for a better future for both countries.”
The Magsaysay Award was established in April 1957 to honor former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a plane crash. It is awarded annually to a person or organization that has contributed to the promotion of peace and human rights in the Asian region. Meanwhile, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, have received this award. The foundation selected four individuals, including Director Miyazaki, and one organization as this year’s recipients.
(Seoul = Newsis)
Source: www.donga.com
