The Japanese government is making explicit attempts to continue historical distortions.

During a special meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party that opened Thursday on orders from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, party members agreed to modify the so-called "Neighboring Country Clause” in authorization criteria for school textbooks.

The clause was in place in consideration of countries that suffered under Japan's imperialist invasions and worked to mitigate historical distortions in textbooks. Abe has described the provision as self-deprecating and a biased take on history.

It specifically calls for “consideration from the viewpoint of international understanding and cooperation” in dealing with issues concerning Japan’s relations with its Asian neighbors in modern and contemporary history.