【环时深度】清水英男的谢罪为何刺痛日本？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the return of Shimizu Hideo, a former member of the infamous Unit 731, to Harbin, China, to apologize for his past actions during World War II, highlighting the ongoing struggle with historical accountability in Japan [1][2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - Shimizu Hideo was part of the last group of young soldiers sent to Harbin by Unit 731, tasked with extracting plague bacteria from rats, unaware of the human experiments that would follow [2]. - After Japan's defeat, Shimizu was ordered to destroy evidence of Unit 731's crimes before fleeing China [2][3]. - The article emphasizes the psychological burden Shimizu carries from his involvement in the atrocities committed by Unit 731, which included horrific human dissections [3][4]. Group 2: Personal Struggles - Shimizu faces significant backlash from Japanese nationalists for his public acknowledgment of the past, leading to estrangement from his family [3][4]. - Despite the personal cost, Shimizu expresses no regret for his decision to apologize, believing it is necessary to confront the truth [4][11]. - The article illustrates the emotional toll of Shimizu's revelations, as he grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the societal pressures to remain silent [3][4][11]. Group 3: Public Reception and Activism - The "For Peace Shinshu War Exhibition" has been a platform for former Unit 731 members to share their testimonies, with Shimizu publicly acknowledging his past for the first time in 2015 [6][7]. - Activists have worked for years to establish a memorial museum in Iida City, which faced challenges in displaying the full history of Unit 731 due to local government hesitance [6][9]. - The article notes the ongoing efforts to include testimonies from former members in the museum, which are crucial for understanding the atrocities committed [10][11].