Some viewed China’s action as an attempt to rewrite the war narrative. The narrative about CCP leading World War II reinforces China’s domestic legitimacy by downplaying the Nationalist and the U.S. efforts. It also acts as a signal to Indo-Pacific…
China held a large-scale military parade in Beijing to commemorate 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The military parade showcased newly invented high-technology Chinese weapons. Foreign leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un attend the parade…
As the number of surviving comfort women decreases, various projects are ongoing to continue their legacies. Various Asian countries have created TV documentaries and historical book to show what realities comfort women faced. Moreover, China has created its first comfort…
President Lee met with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to strengthen bilateral relations in various areas. It was the first by a South Korean leader to visit Japan before going to the U.S., signifying a potential pivotal step toward more forward…
South Korea celebrated its 80th Liberation Day, featuring cultural performances that commemorate independence fighters. President Lee also had his inauguration that sparked criticism that his event may overshadow historical commemoration of the event. His message on building better relationship with…
“Fat Man” was originally targeted to Kokura that had large military arsenal and key industrial facilities. However, due to dense clouds and smoke in Kokura, U.S. redirected “Fat Man” to Nagasaki. “Fat Man” didn’t directly hit Nagasaki, raising questions if…
His usage of the word “remorse” marks the first use of this word since 2013 during a memorial ceremony. He pledged to renounce war as a positive step toward improving relations. Contrasting to previous years, his remarks underscore rate tone…
New documents regarding Japan’s Unit 731 and other biochemical units have been released to the public. These documents highlight how U.S. made immunity deals with unit leaders for experimental data. They also contained evidence of organized germ warfare and biochemical…
With the recent loss in the election and political pressures within the LDP party, Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru will delay any official remarks about the end of World War II. While he decided not to issue personal or cabinet-approved…
China’s Commemoration plans is carefully curated that distorts history through emphasizing Japanese aggression and minimizing other contributions like ROC. Japan remains deeply hesitant to fully acknowledge its wartime wrongdoings, which deepens historical tensions and memory disputes about World War II.…
With the Ruling LDP-Komieto coalition losing majority in the Upper House, this may weaken Japan’s regional security posture and influence with Northeast Asian countries. Though U.S. and allies are keeping stable and mutually beneficial relations with Japan, internal instability may…
Teruzuki, a sunk Japanese Destroyer during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, was found with all the munitions and weaponry in tact. Its first visual record offers a rare visual documentation of World War II naval ships providing invaluable insights of…
China will hold a grand military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, showcasing new PLA weaponry. The first rehearsal happened in August, involving 22,000 people. It is also holding exhibitions with 1,500 photographs and 3,200 relics, recording…
South Korea has shown strong discomfort about Japan’s failure to acknowledge Korean forced labor on Hashima Island. South Korea accused Japan for breaking its pledge to fully acknowledge and memorialize suffering in brutal working condition. This issue highlights ongoing tension…
U.S. Navy and local Okinawans have lit candles on the eve of Okinawa Memorial Day to commemorate the dead from the Battle of Okinawa. This event reflects on the horrors of war and the importance of peace both to U.S.…
Hiroshima’s Vice Governor Yokota Mika meets with the South Korean Hibakusha and their descendants to learn about their experiences by visiting memorials and hear their concerns on lack of recognition. With 10~20% of Hibakusha being Korean, they are being excluded…
South Korea has unveiled various plans to commemorate its Liberation Day (광복절). These plan include holding festival along Han River, creating a commemorative coin, and holding special exhibition regarding independence activists. The exhibitions especially utilizes AI technology to display new…
Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized cooperation with Japan, although having harsh rhetoric on historical issue. The President stated that the country’s relationship with Japan is inseparable, where a deeper collaboration will benefit both South Korea and Japan…
Various Japanese survivors of World War II shared their experiences and memories from the war and reflect on their survival as a matter to advocate peace. These survivors include students that participated as Nadeshiko Volunteers and Japanese Imperial Army Pilot.…
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te commemorated VE Day for the first time, which is aimed to reclaim historical narrative from Beijing that downplay ROC’s effort during World War II. Taiwan’s president also emphasized the need to uphold historical truth and global…
Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru sent ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine where both South and North Korea expressed deep regret on the Prime Minister’s action. Though some argue that honoring individual sacrifice should be seen distinctly from glorifying Japan’s militaristic…
New TV series ‘The Narrow Road to Deep North” portrays harrowing journey of Allied prisoner of war on Burma-Thailand railway. The series adapted Richard Flanagan’s novel about his time as Australian army doctor that are rich in portraying wartime horrors…
Japan’s Imperial couple have visited World War II sites to pay tribute for the 80th anniversary, including Iwo Jima and Mongolia. The Iwo Jima visit marks first emperor’s visit since 1994, while the Mongolia visit marks first ever emperor’s visit…
A play “Secret Warriors” spotlights little-known contribution of Nisei that served as translators and interrogators in World War II. Moreover, all-Japanese American Battalion was discovered that liberated Jewish prisoners that were forced on Nazi death march, recognizing Japanese Americans’ efforts…