Eighty years have passed since the end of a war that brought Japan to the brink of destruction and claimed countless lives in the Asian countries it invaded. It is time to reaffirm the weight of the peace built on such immense sacrifices.

The journey of postwar Japan, marked by reconstruction and economic growth while upholding a vow to never wage war again, is something to be proud of. This was made possible by the postwar international order, underpinned by the rule of law and free trade.

However, this foundation is on the verge of collapse. The international community has failed to stop the two wars continuing in Europe and the Middle East, while the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is disrupting the global economy with coercive high tariffs.

The risk of nuclear weapons being used is increasing, and natural disasters caused by climate change are unending. The "Doomsday Clock," which warns of how close humanity is to its final hour, is set at its shortest time ever at 89 seconds to midnight.

The logic of the powerful prevails

In these turbulent times, the arrogance of powerful nations is rampant. The Israeli military is destroying the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territories, while Russia is pressuring Ukraine, once referred to as "Little Russia," to surrender. This is a structure where the weak are suppressed.

Nazi Germany incited hostility toward Jews and drove its people into World War II. As the number of people who experienced the war dwindles and the preservation of their memories becomes challenging, there is concern about the rise of distorted nationalism and exclusionism.

Japan is no exception. Politicians have made remarks denying the historical facts about the Battle of Okinawa and the Nanjing Massacre. During the recent House of Councillors election, false rumors such as "foreigners are being given preferential treatment" and "crime rates are high" were rampant.

"It is tough for us, though we're the ones supporting Japan's convenient lifestyle." This was a comment received by Jiho Yoshimizu, the representative director of the nonprofit Nichietsu Tomoiki Shienkai (the Japan Vietnam Mutual Support Association), which supports Vietnamese residents in Japan.

Intolerance that excludes minorities is continuous with the logic of "survival of the fittest." We must not allow the clock to be turned back to an era of war.

Postwar Japan has maintained war-renouncing Article 9 of its Constitution and bases its security on the Japan-U.S. alliance to avoid direct involvement in armed conflict. By relying on the U.S. military for security, rapid economic growth was also possible.

However, there is no denying that postwar Japan's societal trend was strongly influenced by the idea of "one-country pacifism," or a desire never to be caught up in war again, as noted by University of Tokyo professor Tadashi Karube.

Now that the Trump administration has turned its back on global stability, Japan's ability to devise and create peace on its own initiative based on its postwar experience is put to the test.

The most urgent task is to rebuild order. Japan must listen to the voices of the Global South and help create fair international rules. Instead of lamenting its declining national power, Japan should work to strengthen the function of the United Nations as "a forum where middle powers can join hands with small countries to exert their presence," as stated by U.N. Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu.

The free trade system must be protected. Deepening dialogue with Southeast Asian countries and the European Union, and expanding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), is a logical step.

The creation of an environment that brings stability to East Asia is also urgent. Japan is in a position to propose the establishment of a regional framework for dialogue aimed at building trust.

It is crucial not to impose "Japan-centric Asianism" as seen before the war, but to work as equal partners.

Breaking away from 'own country first' policy

According to a public awareness survey by the Japanese Red Cross Society, more than half of respondents believe "Japan is peaceful," while less than 20% feel "the world is peaceful."

How can this gap be bridged? Professor Toshikazu Inoue of Gakushuin University, an expert on Showa-era (1926-1989) history, pointed out, "Japan must fulfill its fair share of responsibility in building world peace."

There are notable citizen efforts. The Kyoto-based nonprofit Terra Renaissance sends staff to countries including Uganda in East Africa to help children, who were abducted by anti-government forces and forced to become soldiers, return home and reintegrate into society. Founder Masaya Onimaru explained, "We want to reclaim child soldiers and dismantle armed rebel groups. What is needed is to end conflicts through means other than violence."

Now is the moment for Japan's political leadership to reflect on history and present a vision for a "world without war." It is perplexing that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba chose not to issue a statement to mark the anniversary of the end of WWII.

Diplomatic critic Kiyoshi Kiyosawa, who was slammed as a "pacifist" during wartime, lamented the narrow, self-centered nationalism in his "A Diary of Darkness," writing, "Japan sees only its own position." His words still strike at the heart of the issue, even 80 years later.

We must not shut ourselves off from the world and be bystanders to others' plights. At this 80-year postwar milestone, what is required of Japan is action that spreads the practice of peace across the globe.