I have been acquainted with Toshirō Hishida for 13 years.

Author: Zhu Chengshan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: As the Director of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, the author recalls his personal experiences from 1994 to 2006, during which he interacted with Japanese veteran Toshio Ito over more than a decade. Through his unique perspective on historical research and the Sino-Japanese relationship, the author shares his firsthand observations of Ito's unwavering efforts to apologize to the Chinese people and his steadfast struggle against Japanese right-wing forces that denied the Nanjing Massacre. The book details Ito's journey of earning the understanding, trust, and support of the victims through his actions, as well as the diverse evaluations and actions from various aspects of China and Japan regarding Ito himself, his deeds, his diary, and his lawsuit. It also delves into the behind-the-scenes stories of their deep friendship, which few people know about, all told in a first-person narrative. The author hopes to inspire people to interpret history correctly and to focus on building a healthy Sino-Japanese relationship, thereby grasping the future of peace and friendship in Asia and even the world.
One is a Japanese veteran who participated in the Nanjing Massacre, who, in his later years, faced relentless attacks, insults, and lawsuits from Japanese right-wing forces for his insistence on reflection, apology, and speaking the truth about history. The other is a Chinese director of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre, who has conducted in-depth research on the history of the Chinese War of Resistance against Japan and has tirelessly advocated for the truth of the Nanjing Massacre over more than a decade. How did they communicate and interact? What changes and mutual recognition did they experience? Why did they become "" (deep friends across generations)? People can find certain ways of thinking about the exchange, recognition, and resolution of historical issues between China and Japan from their relationship.