Scholars, officials stress significance of Tokyo Trial amid Japan’s neo-militarism

Scholars and officials from various countries have stressed the historical significance of the Tokyo Trial, as Sunday marks the 80th anniversary of its opening.

Singaporean scholar Lim Shao Bin has spent more than 40 years studying the history of World War II. He purchased, at his own expense, more than 3,000 documents on crimes committed by the Japanese army during the war.

He said the Tokyo Trial holds legal and historical significance for humanity, warning about the rising of the neo-militarism and historical revisionism in recent months.

"The Tokyo tribunal's proceedings were a significant step towards ensuring accountability for crimes against peace, conventional war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Eighty years later, the Tokyo tribunal remains a symbol of justice and a warning against militarism. However, neo-militarism and historical revisionism are rising aggressively in these few months. There is a need for the international community, especially to uphold justice and prevent the resurgence of aggression," said Lim.

Experts and officials also said the Tokyo Trial should be remembered by more people, and that the world should remain highly vigilant against Japan’s moves toward neo-militarism.

"In Japan, the issues of historical memories have been set aside for many years, without any real and deep reckoning in society. As the memories of the witnesses fade away, mythical and somewhat unstructured interpretations of a so-called 'glorious past' start to appear. In the current highly sensitive international context, Japan's stance is worrying at the domestic, regional and even global levels," said Juan Agullo, an expert on international affairs based in Spain.

"We commemorate this date to remind people that such tragedies must not be repeated and should never be repeated. We must prevent the comeback of a dark world which was under the shadow of militarism, interventionism and fascism," said Nicaraguan Co-Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke.

From May 3, 1946 to Nov 12, 1948, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East was held in Tokyo by 11 countries, including the United States, China, the UK and the Soviet Union, to try Japan's Class-A war criminals after World War II.

Scholars, officials stress significance of Tokyo Trial amid Japan’s neo-militarism

Fuzhou, the capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, launched a cross-strait cultural carnival during the May Day holiday, attracting visitors from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to revel in the festivities.

The carnival unfolded at a historical and cultural block in Lianjiang County, Fuzhou, where an array of performances highlighted local culture and the deep ties across the Strait, serving as a rich cultural feast for holidaymakers.

"Strolling through the ancient streets, with the old buildings on both sides and intangible heritage performances all around, it feels like traveling back in time. It also reminds you that people on both sides of the Strait share the same roots and the same cultural lineage," said Zhang Chuanzhen, a Taiwan compatriot.

In addition to stage performances, the block also featured intangible cultural heritage displays, cultural and creative markets, and hands-on craft experience activities. The immersive and interactive setting invited visitors to explore the history, take in the scenery, and savor the culture.

"We are dedicated to allowing everyone to experience the breadth and depth of Chinese culture, and to strengthen the sense of shared cultural identity across the Strait. Going forward, Lianjiang County will continue to innovate forms of cultural exchanges and build a bridge for heart-to-heart communication between compatriots on both sides of the Strait, especially among the younger generations," said Ren Yong, director of the Lianjiang County Cultural Center.

Fujian holds May Day holiday cultural carnival to entertain visitors across Taiwan Strait