The message did not go unnoticed. For decades, Japan's political leaders have visited the Yasukuni Shrine commemorating those who died in service of the Japanese Empire. In addition to 2.5 million men, women and children, the shrine honors almost 1,100 recognized war criminals, including an A-Class illegitimate elite.

Today these visits are a part of domestic politics, as evidenced by the campaign of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2001, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2013.

In contemporary Europe, such actions would be unthinkable. Imagine how England and France would respond if Chancellor Angela Merkel would court German nationalists by visiting SS and Nazi cemeteries, in the name of patriotism and remembrance?

In the past, historical revisionism in Japan reflected fringe politics. Today, it is about to go mainstream, even though most Japanese do not support it. In July, Prime Minister Abe's government overrode objections from opposition parties to pass legislation permitting collective self-defense, which is part of efforts to dismantle the postwar settlement.

It reflects the eclipse of Japan's "Peace Constitution," an attempt to reverse previous war apologies; and a rebuttal of the forced prostitution of "comfort women" by the Imperial Army.

However, the government's military revisionism risks undermining Japan's economic progress and escalating regional tension.

Amnesia not an option

However, what if the Western powers had responded to Japan's aggression in 1931? What if, instead of appeasement, they had upheld their supposed ideals? What if they had taken steps to punish aggression against China?

Perhaps the world might have avoided at least a part of a global nightmare.

Historical counterfactuals are always wisdom about hindsight. Nevertheless, these "what if" questions can make us more attuned to the missed opportunities of history.

Appeasement should never again be an option.

Dr Dan Steinbock is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.jhzsvip.com/opinion/DanSteinbock.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn