In the lead-up to the 79th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, an extraordinary interview was conducted with Shimitsu Hiroo, a 94-year-old former member of the infamous Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. Hiroo, who now resides in Miyota, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, recently traveled to Harbin, China, to confront his past and offer a public apology for the atrocities committed by his unit.
A Journey of Remorse
On August 13, 2024, Hiroo revisited the site of the Unit 731 headquarters, known as the Four-Square Building, which once housed the bacteriological laboratory and a special prison where the Japanese conducted human experiments. The building was destroyed by the Japanese army as they retreated in 1945. At the site, a monument titled Monument of Apology and Perpetual Peace stands, erected by Japanese civilians in 2011. The inscription reads, The Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army committed an unprecedented state-level crime in world history.
During the interview, Hiroo expressed deep remorse for his actions. I came here with a heart full of apologies, he said. I can no longer remember the faces of the victims. I wish I had never done these things. I also remember occasionally talking to some Chinese boys. I wish I could see him if he is still alive, but in the end, this wish was not fulfilled.
The Horrors of Unit 731
Unit 731 was a covert biological and chemical warfare research unit of the Imperial Japanese Army. Based in Manchuria, it conducted残忍 experiments on thousands of Chinese, Korean, and Russian prisoners of war and civilians. The unit is known for its use of biological weapons and the development of the bubonic plague, anthrax, and other diseases.
Hiroo’s visit to the site and his public apology mark a rare and significant moment of accountability. His actions reflect a growing movement among some Japanese citizens to confront the dark history of their country’s military actions during World War II.
A Symbol of Reconciliation
The Monument of Apology and Perpetual Peace stands as a symbol of reconciliation and remembrance. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed and the importance of remembering the past to prevent such events from happening again. Hiroo’s visit to the site was a moment of reflection and a demonstration of the power of contrition.
International Response
The international community has responded to Hiroo’s actions with a mix of respect and caution. While many commend him for taking responsibility and offering an apology, there is also a call for broader acknowledgment and accountability from Japan as a nation. Hiroo’s gesture is seen as a step in the right direction but not a complete resolution to the historical wounds.
Conclusion
Shimitsu Hiroo’s public apology and his visit to the Unit 731 site serve as a powerful reminder of the past and the importance of confronting it. His actions contribute to the ongoing dialogue about historical accountability and the need for healing. As the world marks the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hiroo’s story stands as a testament to the human capacity for reflection, remorse, and the pursuit of peace.
In an era where historical revisionism and denial of past wrongs are prevalent, Hiroo’s courage to face his past and apologize is a beacon of hope. It underscores the importance of historical truth and the need for continued education and remembrance to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Views: 0