Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing struggle within Japan regarding the acknowledgment of historical war crimes, particularly the actions of Unit 731 during World War II, and the implications of historical revisionism on Japan's future relations with neighboring countries [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Acknowledgment - Japanese Senator Yamazoe Taku's presentation of documents related to Unit 731 in the National Diet marks a significant moment as it is the first time a Japanese lawmaker has publicly addressed the government's concealment of war crimes [1][2]. - The Japanese government’s reluctance to acknowledge its wartime actions is primarily driven by concerns over potential reparations and the broader implications of admitting to a range of war crimes [2][4]. Group 2: Political and Diplomatic Implications - The rise of historical revisionism in Japan is seen as detrimental to its diplomatic relations with countries like China and South Korea, potentially leading to recurring tensions and hindering future cooperation [4][6]. - The influence of the U.S. on Japanese foreign policy complicates Japan's ability to pursue a more balanced diplomatic stance, although there is a growing sentiment among the Japanese public questioning this alignment [5][6]. Group 3: Future Relations and Peace - Establishing a peaceful relationship between Japan and China is deemed essential, with a focus on avoiding escalation of regional tensions and fostering mutual understanding [7]. - Acknowledging past wrongs is viewed as a prerequisite for Japan to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future and to prevent repeating historical mistakes [6][7].

Group 1 - Japan is urged to deeply reflect on its historical responsibilities and sever ties with any actions that beautify or cover up its history of aggression, in order to genuinely pursue a path of peaceful development and gain trust from Asian neighbors and the international community [1][4] - The 80-year history since Japan's unconditional surrender in 1945 is highlighted, emphasizing the need to remember the tragedies of World War II to prevent similar events from occurring in the future [1][4] - The importance of establishing a correct historical perspective is stressed, as it is essential for Japan to shed its historical burdens and earn the trust and respect of Asian countries and the international community [1][2] Group 2 - Japan's right-wing forces have consistently regressed on historical issues over the past 80 years, including visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and ambiguous statements regarding the "comfort women" issue, as well as the distortion of historical facts in textbooks [2] - Recent military actions by Japan, such as increasing defense budgets and relaxing weapon export restrictions, are seen as contradictory to its post-war peace commitments, raising concerns among Asian neighbors and the international community [2][3] - The correct handling and deep reflection on Japan's militaristic history is deemed crucial for the reconstruction and development of Sino-Japanese relations, as established in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement [3]

Core Viewpoint - Japan must deeply reflect on its historical responsibilities and completely sever ties with any actions that beautify or cover up its history of aggression, in order to genuinely pursue a path of peaceful development and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Reflection - The article emphasizes the importance of remembering history not to perpetuate hatred, but to uphold peace, highlighting Japan's militaristic past and the severe human rights violations it committed during its invasions [1][2]. - Japan's acknowledgment of its wartime actions is seen as a litmus test for its moral integrity and commitment to peace, suggesting that only by establishing a correct historical perspective can Japan shed its historical burdens and gain respect from Asian countries and the international community [1][3]. Group 2: Current Political Context - The article notes that despite Japan's historical commitments, right-wing forces in Japan continue to undermine historical accountability, such as visiting Yasukuni Shrine and downplaying wartime atrocities in educational materials [2][3]. - Japan's recent military actions, including increasing defense budgets and relaxing weapon export restrictions, are viewed as contradictory to its post-war peace commitments, raising concerns among Asian neighbors and the international community about Japan's strategic direction [2][3]. Group 3: Sino-Japanese Relations - A correct approach to historical reflection is deemed essential for the reconstruction and development of Sino-Japanese relations, with past commitments made in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement highlighted as foundational [3]. - The article warns that recent provocations by Japanese politicians regarding Taiwan and the portrayal of China as a threat in defense documents undermine the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations and challenge the post-war international order [3].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the need to reassess the World Anti-Fascist War from a broader perspective, highlighting China's significant contributions and resistance during the conflict [1][2] - It argues that the mainstream narrative often overlooks the decisive roles played by China and other Global South countries in combating fascism and militarism [1] - The article points out that the historical experiences of Kenya and other Global South nations are similar, having faced foreign invasions and struggles for national liberation [1] Group 2 - The aftermath of World War II saw a powerful wave of national independence across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, leading to the collapse of colonial orders imposed by Western powers [2] - The article calls for the rejection of historical revisionism and the restoration of historical truths regarding the contributions of China and other Global South nations [2] - It criticizes narratives that downplay the responsibilities of aggressors and instead portray them as victims, which undermines the sacrifices made by those who fought against oppression [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for Japan to confront its wartime responsibilities and warns against the spread of historical revisionism, which could lead to a resurgence of militarism [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Responsibility - Professor Yamada Akira from Meiji University calls for Japan to acknowledge its wartime aggression and warns against the dangers of historical revisionism, particularly regarding the Second Sino-Japanese War [1]. - Yamada suggests that enhancing public awareness and understanding of historical truths is essential to prevent the revival of militarism [1]. Group 2: Exhibition Details - The "War Atrocity Illustrated Exhibition" has been organized by the civil group "Promoting Memory and Heritage Kanagawa Association" since 2016, focusing on Japan's wartime atrocities [2]. - The current exhibition runs from August 8 to 15 in Yokohama, showcasing materials related to the Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731, chemical warfare, and comfort women [2].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the need to reassess the contributions of China and other Global South countries in the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, which has been overshadowed by a narrow Western-centric perspective [1] - It highlights that the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japan was a central front and an important pillar in the global anti-fascist struggle, positioning China as the Eastern main battlefield [1] - The article notes that countries like Kenya share similar historical experiences of foreign invasion and the struggle for national liberation, linking their past to the broader context of the Second World War [1] Group 2 - The post-World War II era saw a powerful wave of national independence across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, leading to the collapse of colonial orders imposed by Western powers [2] - The article calls for the rejection of historical revisionism and the restoration of historical truths, criticizing attempts to downplay the roles of China and other Global South nations in the war [2] - It argues that distorted narratives focusing solely on the Axis powers' suffering at the war's end ignore their responsibilities for initiating invasions and committing war crimes, thereby obscuring the suffering endured by the Chinese people [2]

"战争加害图文展"由日本民间团体"促进记忆传承神奈川之会"自2016年起举办，聚焦二战期间日本 对外国的加害历史等内容。本届展览自8月8日至15日在横滨市举行，展出了南京大屠杀、731部队、毒 气战、慰安妇等相关史料。多名历史学者受邀在展览期间举办讲座。 山田朗在讲座后接受新华社记者采访时说，近年来日本的历史修正主义思潮广泛蔓延，特别是对侵 华战争的认知方面，错误观念大量传播，"'日中战争'完全就是日本对中国的侵略战争，但有人不愿正 视其真实面貌，这种倾向非常糟糕"。他还说，日本如果不认真反省侵略战争的历史，未来重新走上军 国主义道路的风险就会一直存在。 展览主办方代表竹冈健治对新华社记者表示，日本社会长期以来对"战争加害"关注不足。若不能正 视并讲述日本在战争中对亚洲各国实施的加害史实，日本有关和平的主张就很难取信于世界。 新华社东京8月9日电（记者 李子越 杨智翔）9日，日本明治大学教授山田朗在民间团体主办的"战 争加害图文展"期间呼吁日本正视战争中的加害责任，警惕历史修正主义思潮蔓延，防止军国主义复 活。 山田朗在展览期间举办专场讲座，批评日本从战后开始不断"淡化战争责任"。他呼吁，应通过加强 对战争历 ...

Core Points - The "War Crimes History Exhibition" in Yokohama, Japan, aims to reveal the various war crimes committed by the Japanese military during World War II and serves as a warning against the repetition of history [1][3] - The exhibition, first held in 2016, is organized by Japanese civilians and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Japan's history as an aggressor to prevent the glorification of war [3] - The materials used in the exhibition are produced by experts, historians, and civic groups, covering topics such as the Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731, and the comfort women issue [3] - There is a notable absence of discussions about Japan's history as an aggressor in Japanese history textbooks, which has led to concerns about historical revisionism [3][4] - The current rise of xenophobia in Japan is closely linked to the denial and distortion of colonial rule and aggressor history [3] - The exhibition has faced external disturbances, including harassment of staff members, highlighting the societal challenges in discussing historical and political topics in Japan [4] Group 1 - The "War Crimes History Exhibition" serves as a reminder of Japan's wartime actions and the need to confront historical truths [1][3] - The exhibition's materials are created by a collaborative effort of scholars and civic organizations, focusing on significant historical events [3] - Concerns about historical revisionism and the lack of acknowledgment in educational materials are prevalent among organizers [3][4] Group 2 - The exhibition is seen as a crucial platform for fostering discussions about Japan's past, despite societal pressures against such topics [4] - The connection between rising xenophobia and historical denialism is emphasized, indicating broader societal implications [3] - The organizers express hope for a more open environment for discussing Japan's history to facilitate change [4]

"学校教育对学生的思想形成具有很大影响力，如果这种（'威胁论'进校园的）趋势持续下去，将在年 青一代中助长好战、对外敌视的倾向。"日本前外务省官员孙崎享对记者说，"这是令人遗憾的现象"。 日本历史学者纐缬厚认为，向孩子们灌输一个邻国是"威胁"，会导致孩子们对这个国家产生偏见，削弱 他们的求知欲和了解这个国家的兴趣。"重要的是通过交流和学习历史文化知识，首先培养起理解和尊 重意识，加深友好和亲善意识。" "儿童版《防卫白皮书》是最不合适的教材。"纐缬厚在采访中强调，培养历史观念，首先要学习正确的 史实。 记者手记｜这是"最不合适的教材"——日本《防卫白皮书》进校园引担忧 新华社记者陈泽安 日本近日正式公布2025年版《防卫白皮书》，其中再度渲染"周边军事危险"。与此同时，今年，日本防 卫省首次向日本小学寄送儿童版《防卫白皮书》，引发关注和担忧。 据日本长崎广播电视台报道，防卫省近期已向日本全国约2400所小学寄送了约6100份面向儿童的《防卫 白皮书》。今年5月下旬，长崎市内67所小学收到了九州防卫局直接寄送的上述刊物。 记者在防卫省官网上查阅了这本名为《日本的防卫一目了然!——防卫白皮书2024》的儿童版《防 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the distortion of historical facts regarding the Marco Polo Bridge Incident (Lugouqiao Shibian) in Japanese textbooks, highlighting the deliberate omission of the true events surrounding the incident and the broader context of Japanese aggression in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War [1][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred on July 7, 1937, when Japanese troops attacked Wanping City, marking the beginning of a full-scale invasion of China [1]. - Japanese textbooks describe the incident as a mutual conflict between Japanese and Chinese forces, misrepresenting the aggressor's role and obscuring the historical truth [3][7]. - Historical evidence indicates that Japan had significantly increased its military presence in Beijing prior to the incident, suggesting a premeditated plan to provoke conflict [6]. Group 2: Distortion in Education - Recent Japanese history textbooks have been found to replace factual accounts with narratives that portray Japan as a victim, thereby justifying its military actions [7]. - The portrayal of the incident in educational materials serves to mislead students and shape their understanding of history, potentially fostering a sense of nationalism based on distorted facts [3][7]. - Experts argue that this educational approach is part of a broader trend of historical revisionism in Japan, aimed at downplaying the country's wartime actions and responsibilities [7][12]. Group 3: Eyewitness Accounts - Eyewitness accounts from Chinese journalists and soldiers provide a stark contrast to the narratives found in Japanese textbooks, documenting the brutal realities of the conflict and the heroism of Chinese defenders [9][11]. - The accounts emphasize the sacrifices made by Chinese soldiers during the incident, highlighting their bravery in the face of overwhelming odds [11][12]. - The historical records and personal testimonies serve as crucial reminders of the true nature of the events, countering the sanitized versions presented in Japanese educational materials [9][12].