Japanese Civil Group Urges Government to Return Cultural Artifacts Looted During War

The "Japan-China Cultural Relics Return Movement Promotion Committee" held a seminar in Tokyo on the 20th, calling on the Japanese government to acknowledge its history of aggression and return cultural artifacts looted from China during wartime, including the historically significant Tang Dynasty Honglu Jin Stele. Attendees criticized the Japanese government for long evading responsibility by citing ambiguous origins, emphasizing that Japanese society urgently needs to foster a reflective atmosphere toward its colonial and aggressive past in order to promote genuine reconciliation between Japan and China.

During the meeting, several committee members pointed out that a large number of artifacts brought into Japan during wartime still remain within the country. Despite the Japanese government's prolonged use of the excuse "unknown origin" to avoid accountability, many of these items clearly exhibit distinct Chinese artistic characteristics. Given the historical context—Japan was actively engaged in foreign expansion and aggression at the time—it is highly questionable whether these artifacts entered Japan through legal channels.

The committee revealed that it continues to push the Japanese government to return Chinese cultural relics illegally seized during wartime, including the Tang Honglu Jin Stele, to China.

Tohro Lin Jinnosuke, vice president of the Tokyo Metropolitan Association of History Educators, said in an interview that some European countries have recently begun advancing the repatriation of cultural artifacts to their original nations based on reflections on colonial rule and acts of aggression. However, Japan has yet to develop a similar awareness. He urged: "Japan must confront its history, admit past wrongdoings, and advance artifact restitution based on genuine reflection."

Fifty-one-year-old joint representative Igarashi Akira told reporters that the issue of artifact return is not merely about whether they should be returned, but rather an important opportunity for Japan to re-examine its modern history. He stated: "In a sense, these artifacts are 'chilling physical reminders.' Continuing to hold onto them serves no benefit for Japan itself. The crucial point lies in how deeply Japanese society can come to recognize this reality."

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868659991785480/

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