A Japanese woman adopted by a Chinese family during World War II has stepped forward as a "living witness of war," recounting her harrowing childhood and the enduring scars of conflict. Now 85 years old, she was orphaned at age 2 during Japan's wartime occupation and rescued by a Chinese couple in Heilongjiang province near the Chinese mainland’s northeastern border.
In emotional interviews this week, she described witnessing atrocities linked to Japan’s wartime Unit 731, whose human experimentation programs caused widespread suffering. "My adoptive parents shielded me from starvation and taught me to reject hatred, even as we saw villages destroyed," she said, praising their compassion amid chaos.
Her story highlights complex postwar reconciliation efforts between Japan and China. While condemning historical militarism, she emphasizes grassroots humanity: "My Chinese family gave me life twice—through survival and education. I owe them my voice to prevent future wars."
Academics note her account coincides with renewed scrutiny of wartime archives in 2025, as regional tensions prompt calls for historical clarity. The survivor urges younger generations to "learn from pain, not repeat it," advocating cross-cultural dialogue through education.
