Ritual of Reconciliation

When South Korean President Chun Doo Hwan traveled to Tokyo last week on an unprecedented three-day state visit, one question hung over the proceedings: Would Emperor Hirohito, symbol to many Koreans of a catalog of Japanese misdeeds, apologize for the brutal annexation of Korea in 1910 and the savage measures imposed during World War II, when Japan deliberately starved the Korean people and dispatched more than 1 million to Japan as forced laborers? On the first evening of the visit, Hirohito cleared the air. "It is indeed regrettable that there was an unfortunate past between us for a period in this century, and I believe it should not be repeated," said the 83-year-old Emperor at a sumptuous banquet in Chun's honor.

Diplomats will undoubtedly argue over whether Hirohito's statement actually constituted an apology. But the display of Japanese contrition, later reinforced by an eloquent apology by Japanese Prune Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, clearly satisfied Chun. The South Korean President cited an old Korean proverb: "The ground hardens after a rainfall," meaning that close friends become even closer after a quarrel.