Nanjing Massacre

The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, refers to a period of mass murder and mass sexual assault by Japanese troops against the residents of Nanjing (then Nanking), the capital of China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This tragic event occurred over a six-week period starting in December 1937, following the capture of Nanjing by Japan. During the occupation, it is estimated that tens of thousands to several hundred thousand people were killed, and thousands of women were raped. The atrocities committed during this period have been documented by both eyewitness accounts and historical research, highlighting the brutality of the acts, which included summary executions, looting, arson, and torture. The Nanjing Massacre remains a highly sensitive and contentious issue in Sino-Japanese relations. It has been the subject of numerous historical studies and debates about historical memory, war crimes, and the responsibility of nations in acknowledging and addressing past atrocities. The event is commemorated in China and is part of the broader narrative of the suffering experienced during the Japanese occupation. The massacre also led to the establishment of the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, which serves to educate the public and commemorate the victims. Discussions surrounding the events of the Nanjing Massacre continue to evoke strong emotions and differing perspectives, reflecting the complexities of historical memory and reconciliation in East Asia.