Japan urged to take lead in addressing history issues

TOKYO, Japan - Sven Saaler, an associate professor of modern Japanese history at Sophia University in Tokyo, speaks during a telephone interview with Kyodo News on Dec. 3, 2014, from Heidelberg, Germany, where he is on sabbatical leave. Saaler urged Japan to ensure consistency in its views on wartime history, saying, "Taking a different direction will greatly harm the national interest." (Photo courtesy of Sven Saaler)(PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Kyodo)