Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes China's stance on historical issues related to Japan's wartime actions, particularly in the context of the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, highlighting the need for Japan to acknowledge its past and the consequences of its actions [1] Summary by Relevant Sections - Historical Context - The article references the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender and the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, marking a significant moment in World War II history [1] - It mentions the suffering caused by Japanese militarism to China and other Asian countries, as well as the impact on the Japanese people themselves [1] - International Agreements - Key international documents such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration are cited as defining Japan's war responsibilities, including the return of territories stolen from China, such as Taiwan [1] - These documents are described as integral to the post-war international order and the victory of the global anti-fascist movement [1] - Current Issues - The article criticizes certain Japanese factions for attempting to glorify militarism, deny historical aggression, and distort historical facts, which is viewed as a challenge to the United Nations Charter and the post-war international order [1] - It calls for Japan to confront its history to gain respect and prevent future missteps, urging a correct choice from Japan regarding its historical narrative [1]

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].

特写｜这名日本青年，在中国踏上探寻真相之旅 新华社记者胡晓格 李光正 侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆广场上，27岁的日本青年加藤飒人在镌刻着"和平"二字的雕塑前， 双膝跪地，低头默哀，向惨遭日军屠戮的30万中国罹难者谢罪。这是2023年加藤探访该纪念馆的一幕。 "我是日本人，却不知道自己的国家曾做过如此残忍的事情。我下跪，是为了向逝去的人们表达歉 意。"日前，在中国驻名古屋总领事馆举办的"铭记历史、面向未来"中日和平友好交流会上，加藤向记 者吐露那一刻的心境。 加藤来自日本岐阜县，大学时期曾独自前往中国旅行，被中国人的热情与中华文化的魅力深深吸引。 2022年，他只身到中国定居，成为一名自媒体创作者，在社交媒体上拥有270多万粉丝。三年内，加藤 游历中国20多个省份，并用自己的方式记录中国之行，展现一个外国人眼中的中国。 慢慢地，加藤注意到评论区常常出现这样的留言："去趟南京吧""你应该去哈尔滨看看"等。这些声音让 他开启了一段全然不同的旅程。 随后，加藤陆续参观了约30处中国抗战纪念设施和遗址，包括侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆、侵 华日军第七三一部队旧址、上海四行仓库抗战纪念馆、山西大同煤矿万人坑遗址 ...

Group 1 - The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, emphasizing the importance of remembering history and safeguarding peace [1][2] - Representatives from over 30 peace and friendship organizations in Japan attended, reflecting a collective voice for peace and historical reflection [1][4] - The event highlighted the need for Japan to confront its militaristic past and the responsibility to pass down historical awareness to future generations [2][4] Group 2 - The "Murayama Statement" was referenced as a significant acknowledgment of Japan's wartime actions, yet there are ongoing efforts by some political factions to distort this historical reflection [3] - The importance of educating younger generations about Japan's wartime atrocities was emphasized, with initiatives to promote understanding and prevent the repetition of history [4][6] - The gathering served as a platform for various organizations to unite in their commitment to peace and friendship between Japan and China, showcasing a growing movement among Japanese citizens [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - A recent exhibition in Yokohama, Japan, aims to reveal the war crimes committed by the Japanese army during its use of chemical weapons in China, highlighting the government's attempts to erase public memory of these events [1][3]. Group 1: Exhibition Purpose and Content - The exhibition is organized by a civic group that has collected extensive materials on the Japanese army's use of chemical weapons during the war, aiming to educate the public about these historical facts [1][3]. - The exhibition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, prompting a reflection on Japan's actions in China and other Asian countries during the war [3]. - Feedback from attendees indicates that many learned about the war crimes that are either minimally mentioned or completely omitted in Japanese textbooks, finding the exhibition informative and meaningful [3]. Group 2: Historical Context and Government Response - Japan signed the Geneva Protocol in 1925, which prohibited the use of chemical and biological weapons, yet continued to manufacture and deploy such weapons during the war [3]. - The current Japanese government is accused of attempting to gradually erase the public's memory of the war, with significant omissions in educational materials regarding Japan's wartime actions [3][4]. - The organizer emphasizes the need for Japan to acknowledge its wartime crimes and adhere to Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war and the use of military force [4][5].