Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the historical significance of the Shenyang Allied POW Camp during World War II, emphasizing the suffering of the prisoners and the solidarity between Chinese workers and Allied soldiers [5][22]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Shenyang Allied POW Camp was established by Japan during World War II to detain over 2,000 Allied soldiers captured in the Pacific theater, referred to as the "Fengtian Prisoner Reception Center" [5][7]. - The camp witnessed severe conditions, with prisoners suffering from disease, cold, hunger, and abuse, leading to approximately 260 deaths, earning it the nickname "Oriental Auschwitz" [5][9]. Group 2: Artistic Representation - Wang Xiqi, a retired professor from the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, spent over four years creating the "Prisoner XXX" series, which includes portraits of over 300 POWs based on extensive research [3]. - The artworks serve as a valuable testament to the lesser-known history of these prisoners, capturing their experiences and emotions during captivity [11][20]. Group 3: Humanitarian Aspects - The article describes instances of compassion between Chinese workers and Allied POWs, such as a Chinese apprentice sharing food with a prisoner, highlighting the humanity amidst the harsh conditions [16][20]. - The Shenyang camp also became a site of resistance, with Chinese workers aiding prisoners in various ways, including providing escape maps, despite facing severe repercussions from the Japanese authorities [18][20]. Group 4: Educational Significance - The Shenyang Allied POW Camp site has transformed into a memorial and educational venue, serving to remind visitors of the atrocities of war and the importance of peace [22][24]. - The exhibits, including personal letters and artifacts from the POWs, aim to educate the public about the historical events and promote a message against war [24][29].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new type of bookstore in Kyoto, known as a "shared bookstore," which allows individuals to rent shelf space to sell their books, reflecting a growing trend in urban areas of Japan [5][6][22]. Group 1: Shared Bookstore Concept - The "Book Apartment" in Ichijoji is a shared bookstore where different owners can rent shelf space to sell their books, with the sales revenue going to the shelf owners [5][6]. - This model has gained popularity in Japan since 2020, with over 120 shared bookstores established by 2025, primarily in metropolitan areas like Tokyo [6][22]. Group 2: Owner's Background and Motivation - The owner, Kitamoto Ichiro, is a former journalist who retired early to pursue his dream of opening a bookstore, inspired by other bookstore owners [14][21]. - Kitamoto aims to revitalize the Ichijoji area, which has seen a decline in foot traffic due to demographic changes [23][22]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Events - The bookstore plans to create a "bookstore map" for Ichijoji to encourage local exploration and engagement with the community [24][26]. - The bookstore hosts various literary events and discussions, fostering a space for dialogue on important social issues, including war and peace [36][40]. Group 4: Customer Demographics and Participation - The bookstore's shelf owners, referred to as "shelf masters," range in age from 19 to over 60, with a majority being women [26]. - The motivations for individuals to rent shelf space include promoting their favorite books, starting a bookstore with lower risk, and self-promotion as authors [26][28].