Evan Kail, the American pawn shop owner who donated a rare photo album documenting Japanese wartime atrocities to China in 2023, returned to Nanjing this week to mark the 88th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre. His presence at China's National Memorial Day ceremony on December 16, 2025, reignited global discussions about historical accountability in East Asia.
"These photos are not just artifacts – they're evidence," Kail told attendees during this year's memorial events. The album he donated two years ago, containing previously unseen images of Japanese military operations during World War II, has become a key educational resource at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing.
While Japanese officials have not responded to Kail's latest statements, Chinese historians note the donation has strengthened academic understanding of wartime events. "This visual evidence complements our textual records," said Nanjing University professor Li Wei. "It makes the historical narrative more accessible to international audiences."
The visit comes as cross-strait relations show gradual improvement, with some Taiwan residents joining mainland counterparts in commemorative events. However, Kail emphasized his message transcends current politics: "This is about basic human dignity. All nations must confront their past to build a peaceful future."
