On Wednesday in Tokyo, a special screening of the Chinese historical film Dead To Rights brought around 150 Chinese mainland and Japanese viewers together to confront the brutal legacy of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.
The emotional event, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Japan, opened with Ambassador Wu Jianghao’s reminder that “history is the best textbook and the best sobering agent.” He urged audiences to face the past honestly to avoid repeating its tragedies.
Former NHK translator Tamiko Kanzaki described the film as heavyhearted, pointing out that Japanese society often focuses on its own victimhood but shies away from discussing wartime actions. If we completely forget the history of perpetrators, there can be no true friendship between Japan and China, she said.
Journalist and ex-Self-Defense Force member Makoto Konishi shared how the film’s raw depiction of suffering stirred personal pain, compounded by current debates in Japan over heavier military deployments. His reflection underscored the delicate balance between acknowledging history and navigating present security concerns.
Masayuki Inoue of the Japan–China Friendship Association of Tokyo highlighted the importance of equipping young people with historical context before and after viewings. Structured discussions can help dispel strong emotions and pave the way for joint reflection on our shared future, he noted.
With a blend of storytelling and sobering facts, the Tokyo screening of Dead To Rights became more than a film event—it was a call for cultural dialogue and renewed ties. As audiences filed out, many echoed a simple message: learning from history is the first step toward lasting peace.
Reference(s):
Chinese film on Nanjing Massacre resonates with audience in Tokyo
cgtn.com
