The Ongoing Struggle Against Historical Amnesia in Nanjing Massacre Narratives

In early October 2025, the world was reminded of the diminishing number of living survivors of one of history's most tragic events—the Nanjing Massacre. Following the passing of Xiong Shulan, only 25 survivors remain, according to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. This stark statistic echoes the urgency in preserving the memories of those who endured suffering during this dark chapter of history.

The Nanjing Massacre, occurring from December 1937 to January 1938, saw widespread atrocities committed against Chinese civilians by the Japanese military. Every fading voice of a survivor brings us closer to the risk of historical amnesia, where the magnitude of suffering can be reduced to mere footnotes in textbooks.

Chinese writer He Jianming's book, Nanjing 1937: Memories of a Massacre, serves as a poignant reminder of the brutal events that unfolded in Nanjing. He does not merely recount historical facts; instead, he immerses readers in the visceral experience of the massacre through first-hand survivor testimonies and accounts from Japanese soldiers and international witnesses. This narrative style emphasizes that the Nanjing Massacre is not just a statistic to analyze; it is a monumental tragedy that shaped modern Chinese identity.

By employing a stream-of-consciousness approach, He's narrative compels readers to grapple with the chaos and horror experienced by countless individuals. He vividly contrasts the empathy inherent in survivor stories with the chilling accounts of Japanese soldiers, depicting how ordinary men were indoctrinated into becoming violent perpetrators of cruelty and terror. This exploration extends beyond a mere recounting of the past—it lays bare the ideological roots that continue to influence contemporary discussions surrounding the massacre.

One of the critical insights of He's work is its examination of the denial that often follows such atrocities. The echoes of fascism, which fueled the original violence, still resonate today. The denialist movements that seek to rewrite history have evolved, manifesting as propaganda that reframes the narrative, often minimizing the suffering endured by victims.

This battle against historical revisionism reveals alarming patterns—media manipulation, a rise in nationalist fervor, and the dehumanization of perceived adversaries. These contemporary issues are reflections of the same fascist ideologies that put the very atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre into motion.

Therefore, Nanjing 1937: Memories of a Massacre stands as a critical alert against the repetition of history. The lessons embedded in this narrative are dire; they suggest that without confronting and acknowledging the truth, society is at risk of repeating the mistakes of the past.

In this light, He's work not only memorializes victims but actively fights against the tide of global historical amnesia. As the last voices of survivors dwindle, it becomes increasingly imperative to ensure their stories are told and retold, preserving national memory and advocating for justice.

The experiences documented in He's book resonate deeply within a modern context, presenting a compelling argument—that confronting the truth of our past is an act of defiance against oppression and an essential step toward justice.

Understanding the cruelty of the Nanjing Massacre is not limited to acknowledging historical facts; it requires recognizing the ongoing struggle against ideologies that seek to erase the truth. In the face of a rising tide of global amnesia, Nanjing 1937: Memories of a Massacre is not just a historical account; it is a critical tool for resistance, ensuring that the memory of Nanjing and the atrocities faced by its citizens will endure for generations to come.

With the urgency of his message, He Jianming invites us to engage in this fight against memory erosion. As we reflect on the past, we are reminded that history is not static; it is a living dialogue, one that demands our attention and action against the forces that attempt to obscure it.