A significant step towards historical reconciliation unfolded this week as Hideo Shimizu, a 94-year-old former member of Japan's Unit 731 Youth Corps, returned to the Chinese mainland to offer heartfelt apologies to the victims of biological warfare during World War II.
Mr. Shimizu's visit to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, marks a profound moment of reflection and acknowledgment of past war crimes. During his stay, he recounted harrowing memories, including scenes of dissected human organs preserved in formalin-filled bottles and the grim task of collecting bones from prisoners used in experimental subjects.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, commended Mr. Shimizu's courage. 'We appreciate the courage of Mr. Hideo Shimizu to expose and face the historical truth,' Jian stated during a press briefing. This gesture underscores China's hope that the Japanese government will likewise reflect on and address these dark chapters of history.
The former soldier's experiences shed light on the severe human rights violations committed during the war, including the cultivation of pathogens, human dissections, and other inhumane experiments. Mr. Shimizu ultimately fled the Chinese mainland with retreating Japanese forces on August 14, 1945, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact Sino-Japanese relations today.
This act of contrition by Mr. Shimizu not only honors the memories of the victims but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing dialogues aimed at healing and mutual understanding between the Chinese mainland and Japan.
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China asks Japan to reflect on WWII history as ex-soldier speaks up
cgtn.com
