kuewa,

So you can't even make a token attempt at writing a lasting and "meaningful apology" for all of us to see?  This tells everyone here that, despite decades of thought on the matter, you don't even know how to begin.  Thought so.  And you dare criticize the Japanese people and their government for being unable to come up with one?

Regarding what the average Japanese citizen believes about Japan's role during the 1930s to 1945, do you actually know for a fact that, "Since the end of the war, Japan has played itself as victim rather than perpetrator, although the facts indicate otherwise."  Are you suggesting that in 2017 they still don't read, don't use the Internet, and live in an information bubble equal to North Korea's?

Another thing to ponder:  has it ever occurred to you that some governments find dredging up the Imperial Japanese Boogeyman every once and awhile a useful tool?  Or do you really believe leaders living in Beijing, Seoul or Pyongyang are incapable of deceit?