A nation apologizes: Japanese apologies for World War II

This study examines the phenomenon of national apology for historical wrongdoing from a rhetorical perspective. The study draws on speech act theory and sociological studies as well as rhetorical theory to focus on apology as a particular strategy of apologia. Focusing on a number of Japanese government apologies from 1985--1995, the study investigates the nature of national apology. How does national apology differ from other types of apologia and apology? What is the motive of apology---why do nations decide to apologize for some long ago wrongdoing? How does apology develop over time?;Findings include three motives for national apologies for historical wrongdoing: (1) restoration of relationship; (2) self-reflection and learning from history; and (3) affirmation of moral principle leading to reinstatement in the larger community. These motives roughly correspond to different audiences; that is, (1) apologies to specific nation-states like Korea; (2) domestic political dialogue; and (3) international community. National historical apologies are differentiated from 'crisis' apologies. The study also considers what it takes to make a successful apology and why Japanese apologies have not been accepted as "full apologies." In contrast to many rhetorical studies, the study considers apology and indeed all apologia as dilemmatic, requiring both performance and political dimensions. The methodology used combines rhetorical close reading with speech act analysis and sociological constructs.;Thesis includes an appendix on translation issues with a glossary plus an appendix of selected Japanese apology documents.