Japan's WWII history continues to impact contemporary relations and memory, as new documents on its germ warfare program are released. The film 731 Biochemical Revelations explores the inhumane experiments performed by Unit 731 on Chinese victims. Its screening faced delays, raising questions about political motivations to maintain Sino-Japanese relations. Eyewitness accounts like that of 95-year-old Hideo Shimizu, who recalls his unexpected involvement with Unit 731, highlight the importance of remembering this chapter of history.
The release of WWII-era military documents this year has given a boost to researchers digging into Japan's notorious germ warfare program, which lasted from 1936 to 1945.
Titled 731 Biochemical Revelations in English, the film tells the story of Chinese victims of the Japanese Imperial Army Unit 731's inhumane medical experiments.
When the screening was canceled and later pushed back to September without explanation, some film fans questioned the authorities' motives, wondering whether the move was intended to avoid a spat that could damage fragile ties between Beijing and Tokyo.
'This film is not only a retelling of the past but also a warning to the future,' she added.
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