⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A peace memorial hall of the Association of Returnees from China in Kawagoe, Japan's Saitama Prefecture, works actively to bring the historical truth to more people by exposing the war atrocities by Japanese aggressors in China during World War II , so as to pass on that history to future generations. In September 1957, a group of Japanese war criminals who had been released by China and returned home established the Association of Returnees from China, or Chukiren in short, with the aim of boosting "anti-war peace and Japan-China friendship". Through citing their own experiences, these veterans aimed to expose the truths of Japan's invasion of China and raise awareness among the public about Japan's history as an aggressor. In order to preserve testimonies and materials and let more people know about the crimes committed by the Japanese invaders in China, members of the association established a peace memorial hall in 2006, committed to collecting and protecting relevant historical materials. Nobuo Serizawa, director of the peace memorial office, said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) that they persisted in carrying on this cause in the hope that more people will understand the truth of history and avoid repeating the mistakes of war. "We hope to make those who are unaware of the facts know the truth, as most Japanese people don't know it. They are also ignorant of the causes and responsibilities of the war. The war was started by Japan, yet many people in this country don't even care to think about how to take on the responsibility for it. The government certainly would not do so either," he said. The memorial hall houses tens of thousands of books, along with over a hundred self-funded video recordings and numerous related television documentaries, including significant testimonies regarding the notorious Nanjing Massacre. Staff at the peace memorial office said that most of the veterans of Chukiren have passed away, but the testimonies and materials they left behind have served as invaluable historical evidence. Despite facing persistent pressure, the memorial hall remains committed to being open to the public, offering exhibitions, lectures, and documentary screenings to provide more ordinary people, especially the younger generation, with the opportunity to engage with authentic history. "Has the Japanese government reflected on the war it initiated and atoned for it? I believe they have not engaged in any historical study and have no understanding of history, making it impossible for them to feel contrition. At the very worst, it could lead to the outbreak of war again," said a Japanese citizen. "Constantly distorting its own history not only disrespects the people from China, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia, but also deceives its own citizens. This is a deeply shameful practice," said another Japanese citizen. "I certainly know about the Nanjing Massacre, but the Japanese government is yet to acknowledge it, and the infamous Unit 731. Young people nowadays have no sense of crisis about war, which is why they would say, 'It happened too long ago.' After all, 80 years have passed, and they can't feel it personally. Most politicians today do not have any understanding of war either, so it is very dangerous to have politicians in the government who do not understand war, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. That's why I strive to help people understand the history of the past, in any small way I can," Serizawa said. The video shows: Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of buildings, sign reading "Peace Memorial Hall of the Association of Returnees from China" Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Nobuo Serizawa, director, Chukiren Peace Memorial Office (ending with shot 3): "We hope to make those who are unaware of the facts know the truth, as most Japanese people don't know it. They are also ignorant of the causes and responsibilities of the war. The war was started by Japan, yet many people in this country don't even care to think about how to take on the responsibility for it. The government certainly would not do so either." 3. Historical materials at Japan's Chukiren Peace Memorial Hall FILE: Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 4. Various of Serizawa introducing historical documents; screening in progress Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Japanese citizen (name not given) (ending with shot 6): "Has the Japanese government reflected on the war it initiated and atoned for it? I believe they have not engaged in any historical study and have no understanding of history, making it impossible for them to feel contrition. At the very worst, it could lead to the outbreak of war again." 6. Banner reading "Association of Returnees from China" 7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Japanese citizen (name not given) (ending with shot 8): "Constantly distorting its own history not only disrespects the people from China, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia, but also deceives its own citizens. This is a deeply shameful practice." FILE: Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 8. Various of historical materials Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Nobuo Serizawa, director, Chukiren Peace Memorial Office (starting with shot 8/partially overlaid with shot 10): " I certainly know about the Nanjing Massacre, but the Japanese government is yet to acknowledge it, and the infamous Unit 731. Young people nowadays have no sense of crisis about war, which is why they would say, 'It happened too long ago.' After all, 80 years have passed, and they can't feel it personally. Most politicians today do not have any understanding of war either, so it is very dangerous to have politicians in the government who do not understand war, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. That's why I strive to help people understand the history of the past, in any small way I can." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 10. Photo of morning glory, visitors' comments ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 11. Banner of friendship between China and Japan [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]