The refusal of Japan to express sincere and genuine apology for the atrocities that it has committed during the Second World War has drawn criticisms, particularly in the wake of the passage of security bills in Tokyo. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to Berger, among the 35 war-apology-related quotes by Japan, almost all of them were addressed to South Korea, a few are not directed at any particular country, and very few are addressed to China.

"In fact, I only found mentions of China in speeches, and none of them have for main purpose to give a genuine apology, mentioning the massacres, rapes, plunder, sexual slavery and biological experiment on live humans. The emperor has never apologized to China," Berger said.