And yet never before had a Japanese prime minister traveled to the region.
The statement was similar to one made by another Japanese prime minister who visited the bridge in 1955.
At least he didn't upchuck on the Japanese prime minister.
"There will be moments of sacrifice," the president said today just before a meeting with the Japanese prime minister.
The alumni include three Japanese prime ministers and prominent corporate leaders.
Yet Japanese prime ministers have acknowledged the past, and apologized for it (although not in writing).
The last time a Japanese prime minister officially met with a Chinese president was five years ago.
The test came when the draft was submitted to a group of Japanese ministers and politicians for approval.
In 1967, he was also the first Japanese prime minister to visit Singapore.
I hear he's made a call to the Japanese Prime Minister.