Seventy-eight years ago, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II. While this represented a global triumph against fascism, the ghost of Japanese war criminals remains. Many are enshrined in Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, a place occasionally visited by Japanese politicians and a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past. It serves as a testament to the endeavors by some to distort historical truths.
Countries impacted by Japan’s aggression, especially China and South Korea, continue to remember the pains of war. Citizens and activists from these nations persistently promote peace and remember the indomitable spirit of their heroes. As Luo Cunkang, an official at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance against Japanese Aggression, emphasizes, “By understanding our history, we cherish peace even more.” In our ever-complex world, remembering such history is crucial to ensure peace endures.
Recent commemorations include a visit to Shanghai’s Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial, recognizing the 86th anniversary of the Battle of Shanghai. This memorial, constructed where the infamous Sihang Warehouse defense battle took place in 1937, held various commemorative events, emphasizing the significance of the battle and its influence on Chinese history.
The 14-year War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression remains a cornerstone of anti-fascist efforts, in which China bore colossal civilian and military casualties and economic losses. Today, students and families flock to museums dedicated to this period, ensuring younger generations recognize the importance of peace and the sacrifices made to ensure it.
This sentiment isn’t just limited to China. Japan’s past actions have also deeply affected Korea. The two nations, China and Korea, combined forces to combat the Japanese imperial army during these trying times. Baek Seo-Hui, a South Korean student, stresses the importance of understanding the shared pains both nations experienced under Japanese imperialism, especially in recognizing joint efforts during the March First Movement.
Recognizing these shared experiences, exhibitions like “China-Korea Joint Resistance against Japan” have been inaugurated, highlighting the collective resistance against Japanese imperialism. Luo asserts that China and Korea, bonded by a shared history of resilience, must ensure such narratives are explored and presented accurately.
However, present-day geopolitics clouds this collective memory. Japan’s recent tilt towards a revisionist stance, seeking to move away from post-war pacifism, has alarmed many. This pivot, including close cooperation with NATO, raises concerns in the region.
In South Korea, the waiver of compensation demands from Japanese companies for forced labor during WWII has caused internal strife. As many argue, a fair acknowledgment of history necessitates that Japan acknowledges wartime responsibilities and offers proper apologies. A failure to do so could jeopardize regional relations.
Despite the past, fostering positive relations is pivotal. As China, Japan, and Korea are interlinked economically and geographically, managing exchanges among them is essential. As Ma Jun, a historian, suggests, while it’s essential to criticize Japan’s right-wing factions, it’s also crucial to foster positive relations with the majority of Japanese society that seeks peace.
In essence, while the shadows of World War II loom large, the collective efforts of nations affected by it emphasize the importance of preserving peace and ensuring history is told accurately. It’s a call for unity, acknowledgment, and respect.
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