Marking 80 Years Since the Nanjing Massacre: A Call for Remembering and Peace

Remembering the Nanjing Massacre: The Pursuit of Historical Truth and Commitment to Peace

The year 2025 marks a pivotal occasion—the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). Among the many significant events during this tumultuous period, the Nanjing Massacre stands out as a profound tragedy. On December 13, 1937, Japanese forces took control of Nanjing, resulting in the deaths of more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers over a harrowing six-week period. This event remains a national catastrophe for the Chinese populace and a dark chapter in the fabric of human history.

As the world approaches this somber anniversary, discussions surrounding the Nanjing Massacre are gaining momentum. In recent times, there has been an evident increase in Chinese publications dedicated to this historical event being translated into multiple languages, aiming to present an accurate narrative to the global audience. Among these efforts is the Journal of Nanjing Massacre Studies, co-sponsored by the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders and the Nanjing Press. This academic journal is pivotal in fostering international awareness and understanding of historical truths.

Since 2019, in collaboration with the China International Communications Group, the journal has expanded its distribution, offering editions in English, Japanese, and French. Its outreach spans over 50 nations and territories, with availability in 420 esteemed universities and libraries worldwide, including Harvard University and The British Library. Additionally, it is accessible at more than 200 friendship organizations in Japan and over 140 overseas book retailers.

In an effort to further illuminate the significance of preserving historical memory, Beijing Review conducted interviews with descendants of foreign individuals who had played heroic roles in saving lives during the Nanjing Massacre. Michael Crook, son of Isabel Crook—a recipient of the China Friendship Medal—emphasized that remembering the past is not an exercise in promoting hatred or seeking revenge but rather a crucial endeavor to learn from history and strive for enduring peace. Crook explicitly mentioned his hopes for the journal to publish more content about foreign heroes like John Rabe and Rupert Hatz, who risked their lives to rescue countless Chinese individuals.

Eric Foster, nephew of American journalist Helen Foster Snow, corroborates this sentiment regarding the journal's academic legitimacy. He notes that the evidence contained within its articles firmly substantiates the acknowledgment of the atrocities and counters ongoing denialist narratives. Foster revealed his own experience researching this dark episode for a book, which underscored the need for increased awareness globally about the Nanjing Massacre.

From Pakistan, Mahnoor Makhdoom, editor of The Daily Mail, articulated her belief that while many are familiar with the horrors at Auschwitz, the knowledge about the Nanjing Massacre is comparatively scant. Makhdoom praised the journal as an excellent initiative, one that can effectively serve as a platform to raise awareness and foster international dialogues about these unforgivable acts of violence.

Einar Tangen, an American commentator and senior researcher at Taihe Institute, reflected on his learning of the Nanjing Massacre during his education in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He characterized it as an overt manifestation of mankind's inhumanity. Tangen described the journal as highly academic and informative, giving immense focus to the nuanced discussions about the circumstances surrounding the massacre, including its legal ramifications.

Yet, he raised a critical point about the need to engage a wider audience. Many people do not seek out historical texts; therefore, Tangen argues that a combination of multimedia approaches—videos, visual documentation, and social media outreach—is essential to awaken consciousness surrounding such historical events. He believes that drawing parallels between atrocities across different parts of the world is crucial for fostering a global understanding that prioritizes humanity and advocates for dehumanization prevention.

In marking 80 years since the Nanjing Massacre, we are reminded of the importance of facing historical truths and maintaining a commitment to global peace. It is an opportune moment to promote educational exchanges, hold seminars, and publish works that not only recount these events but also illuminate the lessons that emanate from them. Only through such open dialogues can we inspire a shared resolve to prevent history from repeating itself and ensure that the humanity which suffered is neither forgotten nor ignored.

Conclusion
The observance of the Nanjing Massacre's 80th anniversary is not merely a somber reflection but a call to pursue truth, education, and peace. As the community of nations collectively remembers, let us transform the memories of those lost into a commitment—a dedication to understanding, respect, and above all, peace.