China Remembers: Unforgettable Trauma of September 18th and Unit 731
In the annals of history, certain dates and numbers bear the weight of unimaginable tragedy and serve as poignant reminders of the depths of human cruelty. For China, "September 18th" and "731" are two such unforgettable numbers, symbolizing the beginning of a dark chapter and the horrors of biological warfare and human experimentation during the Japanese invasion and World War II.
4 August 2025
The September 18th Incident, also known as the Mukden Incident, occurred on September 18, 1931, marking the start of Japan's aggressive expansion into China. This false flag operation, orchestrated by the Japanese military, led to the invasion of Manchuria and eventually the Second Sino-Japanese War, which later merged into World War II. This incident pushed the Chinese nation to its most critical moment, forging a nationwide consensus to resist the Japanese invasion.
Unit 731, a name that evokes horror and revulsion, refers to the infamous biological and chemical warfare research unit of the Imperial Japanese Army. Under the leadership of Shiro Ishii, a lieutenant general in the army medical corps, Unit 731 conducted horrific experiments on thousands of Chinese, Korean, Soviet, and Allied prisoners, including bacterial experiments, live dissections, and gas experiments. These atrocities stand as major evidence of the Japanese fascist conspiracy to wage germ warfare and commit genocide.
In recent years, efforts to remember and educate the public about these tragic events have been continuous and multifaceted. Annual commemorations across China on September 18th remind citizens of the 14 years of arduous anti-Japanese war and the sacrifice of 35 million military and civilian casualties. The sentiment "Never forget national humiliation, we must strive for self-improvement" resonates strongly, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and resilience.
The upcoming release of the movie "731," deliberately scheduled for September 18th, aims to further link these two significant historical tragedies in the public consciousness. The film reportedly depicts the bacterial warfare research conducted by the Japanese invading forces in Harbin's Pingfang district. Along with the release of a "blood evidence version" poster, the movie reinforces the message that these numbers cannot be forgotten, highlighting the need to uncover the truth and guard historical memory.
Personal testimonies, such as that of Hideo Shimizu, a 94-year-old former Japanese soldier recruited into Unit 731 at the age of 14, provide crucial insights into the brutal and inhumane experiments conducted. These testimonies serve as stark reminders of the atrocities committed and the necessity of preserving the memory of these events.
The significance of remembering "September 18th" and "731" extends beyond historical remembrance. It shapes national identity, informs diplomatic stances, particularly with Japan, and impacts nationalistic sentiments and political legitimacy within China. The call to remember is also a process of confronting historical trauma, seeking collective healing, and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made and the reasons for vigilance.
In essence, the declaration that "The September 18th Incident and Unit 731 must not be forgotten" is a powerful statement interwoven with China's national identity, political legitimacy, diplomatic strategy, and economic and industrial development. It represents a continuous effort to learn from the past, shape the present, and secure the future, all through the lens of a specific historical narrative.
