正视历史 守护和平

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the reflections and remorse of Shimizu Hidenobu, a former member of the Japanese Imperial Army's Unit 731, regarding the atrocities committed during the Second Sino-Japanese War, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs and promoting peace [4][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - Unit 731 is described as having committed unprecedented state-level crimes during its operations in China, with a memorial stone erected in 2011 to honor the victims and promote peace [6]. - Shimizu Hidenobu, at the age of 95, returned to Harbin, China, to express his remorse and apologize to the victims, fulfilling a long-held wish [4][6]. Group 2: Personal Experiences - Shimizu recounted his experiences as a young soldier in Unit 731, detailing the horrific sights he witnessed, including human experimentation and the handling of remains [5][9]. - He expressed that the memories of these events have haunted him throughout his life, particularly when he became a parent [5]. Group 3: Advocacy for Peace - Following his return to Japan, Shimizu faced societal pressure to remain silent about his past, but he eventually chose to speak out against the atrocities committed by Unit 731 [7][8]. - He has participated in various peace activities and public speeches, aiming to raise awareness about the historical truths of Japan's wartime actions [8][10]. Group 4: Challenges Faced - Shimizu has encountered significant backlash from right-wing factions in Japan for his efforts to acknowledge and apologize for the past, which has led to feelings of anger and disappointment [8][9]. - Despite the challenges, he remains committed to sharing his story and advocating for a truthful understanding of history among younger generations [10].