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].