Interesting article about Japan and Korean cultures/ powers. From my last years spent working with kids in Thailand I can tell that Korean culture (at least the music) has made enormous gains amongst the young generation in Thailand.
Another thing that came to me when reading the part about Germany dissociating from the Nazis and therefore recognizing the atrocities of WW2, is that what I call the "face factor" seem to be running most Asian cultures in the background, and that factor probably makes it very difficult for Japanese authorities to recognize its faults. When mistakes are not allowed, it is very difficult to admit one's wrongdoings for fear of a loss of reputation and credibility.