A Japanese veteran's reflection on the invasion of China.

Author: (Japanese) Takamiyo KAWAMURA, translated by Qu Lianbi and others
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-05-01
Features: This book is not a story, not a novel, nor entirely a war diary—it is an autobiographical memoir written over 24 years by a conscientious Japanese veteran (Lieutenant in the Imperial Army) about the invasion of China. The author both truthfully recalls how he devoted himself to serving the Emperor and willingly fought in the war, and reflects on the nature of the war after the war, concluding that the so-called "Holy War" was undeniably an inhumane invasion. After years of post-war reflection, the author felt that he was a blind "patriot" during the war of aggression against China. He learns from Japan's lessons in starting the war of aggression and, out of love and concern for Japan's present and future, passionately calls for China and Japan to remain forever friendly and advance hand in hand for shared prosperity. Through this book, the author vividly and accurately presents the real-life experiences of his generation from birth, growth, to participation in the war and surrender, spanning half a century.
Part One highlights the author's childhood education under the imperialist militarism of the, while also reflecting the customs and local traditions of the time and place. In Part Two, the author recalls and remembers his various experiences fighting in China. Part Three is titled "The Battle for the Homeland, Heading Home."