Korea, China, and Japan have long been going through conflicts over “history problems,” which, as typified by the issue of Japanese military sex slaves, impede the understanding of history based on the universal principle of humanity. Occasionally inducing the problems of territorial sovereignty, the “history problems” remain a serious obstacle to East Asia’s pursuit of peace and co-prosperity, prohibiting future generations from establishing trusted relationships founded on a shared sense of East Asia’s experience.
Strong cooperation among East Asian leaders is now required more than ever to overcome the conflict over “history problems.” The joint Franco-Germany history textbook, published in 2006, will serve as a prominent example of a successful product of the concerted efforts of the leaders of both countries. Discussions will be held as to what leadership is needed and how it should be implemented to solve the “history problems” of East Asia.