Guangdong Province has unveiled a trove of historical documents shedding new light on Japanese military atrocities during World War II, marking a significant step in preserving wartime memory. The materials, donated by Japanese scholar Seiya Matsuno, were revealed Thursday at an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in 1945.
The archives include rare photo collections published by the Japanese Army itself – one documenting the 18th Division's 1938 invasion of Guangdong and another chronicling its operations across southern China from 1939 to 1942. These visual records, originally created as military propaganda, now serve as evidence of wartime brutality.
'These materials represent both historical truth and a bridge for reconciliation,' said Guangdong Archives Director Li Xu during the unveiling ceremony. The release coincides with intensified academic efforts across Asia to re-examine 20th-century conflicts through primary sources.
Matsuno's donation follows years of cross-border collaboration between Chinese and Japanese researchers. Analysts note the timing underscores regional efforts to balance historical accountability with modern diplomatic relations, particularly as East Asia navigates evolving geopolitical dynamics.
