Uncovering the Shadows: The Nanjing Massacre’s Lingering Impact on China-Japan Relations

Japanese vlogger Hayato Kato surprised his 1.9 million followers with a serious video. He recently watched a film about the Nanjing Massacre, where Japanese troops killed over 300,000 people during their brutal six-week rampage in late 1937. This event is one of the darkest moments in Sino-Japanese history, leaving deep scars in China.

In his video, Kato described shocking scenes from the film “Dead To Rights,” where civilians hide in a photo studio as soldiers invade. The movie is part of a series celebrating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, rekindling difficult memories for many.

Kato spoke on Douyin, China’s TikTok, urging Japanese people to confront their past. He mentioned that online, many deny the Nanjing Massacre happened, including some politicians. “If we deny it, this will happen again,” he warned, calling for more awareness.

His video resonated with viewers, gaining over 670,000 likes in two weeks. But comments were mixed. One popular comment quoted a line from the movie: “We are not friends. We never were.” This highlights the tension still present between China and Japan.

The Nanjing Massacre is a pivotal moment for China. Many believe Japan hasn’t fully faced its wartime history. Notable issues include the “comfort women,” forced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers. Survivors continue to seek justice, and their pain fuels ongoing resentment.

In Japan, discussions about these topics are often avoided. Kato noted that Japanese anti-war films aren’t commonly shown, making it difficult for the public to engage with their history. A man living in Japan shared similar sentiments, noting that most people view the past as something they’ve moved beyond.

After Japan surrendered in 1945, China faced its struggles, mainly civil war. The new regime under Mao Zedong didn’t focus on Japan’s crimes at first, as gaining international support was a priority. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the issue resurfaced, particularly with growing nationalist sentiments in China.

Historian Yinan He suggests that as Chinese leaders attempted to move away from Mao’s legacy, focusing on Japan’s wartime actions became a unifying narrative for the Communist Party. It served to bolster nationalism while suppressing past party conflicts.

Meanwhile, the tone has shifted in recent years. Films and commemorations centered on China’s trauma from the occupation are emerging, underlining a growing awareness and reconciliation effort. As tensions remain high, the need for a genuine acknowledgment of the past is urgent.

Experts warn that continued denial by some Japanese leaders, coupled with visits to controversial war memorials, exacerbates this delicate relationship. Social media fueled nationalist sentiments have even led to violence between citizens of both nations.

Ultimately, both sides need to confront their histories together to foster healing and understanding. Efforts from both Japan and China to acknowledge past atrocities could pave the way for a more harmonious future.

For more on this complex topic, see BBC News.

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