As noted by residenttaxpayer notes, Germany provides ample examples of meaningful apologies, negotiating agreements with Israel. rebuilding the destroyed Jewish and other persecuted communities, actively suppressing any resurgence of Nazi symbolism and activity, etc.. Any visitor to Munich, Berlin, Bonn can readily appreciate the feeling of national regret and the continuous effort to avoid repeating the past. Japan has been asked multiple times by China, Korea and other countries to make similar national gestures and has steadfastly refused to do so. And unlike Germany, which educates children about the Nazi regime,  Japan has rewritten history and has been teaching their children that Japan was more victim than aggressor during WWII.  So no, individuals do not need to be generating letters to consulates and pleas to the Japanese government; the issue is far beyond this level.