Scholars and experts from China, Japan, the United States, and other regions gathered on June 29 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The symposium, held simultaneously at Changchun Normal University in China and Musashino University in Japan, underscored the importance of confronting historical truths to foster peace.
Participants shared oral histories and privately held historical materials, shedding light on wartime atrocities committed by Japan. They called on Japan to acknowledge its past actions and learn from history.
Tamiko Kanzaki, a former translator for Japan’s national broadcaster NHK, recounted her childhood experiences in the puppet state of “Manchukuo,” where she was subjected to militaristic education. She condemned Japan’s wartime policies, including the notorious “Three Alls Policy” and the atrocities committed during the Nanjing Massacre.
Yoichi Jomaru, a former journalist with Asahi Shimbun, discussed his research on Japanese media’s selective coverage of wartime events. He criticized the media for downplaying aggression in China while emphasizing Japanese suffering, such as the atomic bombings. Jomaru urged the media to uphold historical truth and promote a balanced perspective.
Historians at the symposium highlighted the significance of oral history in academic research. They stressed the need to remember the past to foster a shared commitment to peace.
An exhibit at Musashino University featured artifacts related to Japan’s invasion of China, including military correspondence preserved by Japanese civilians. Organizers described these items as “silent witnesses” that encourage reflection and remembrance.
Li Suzhen, executive vice president of the Sino-Japanese Oral History and Culture Research Association, emphasized that remembering history is not about perpetuating hatred. “It’s about learning from the past to promote global peace and friendship,” she said.
