In Japan, last survivors of WWII firebombing by US make final push for justice

10-03-2025

More than 100,000 people were killed in a single night 80 years ago on Monday in the US firebombing of the
Japanese capital of Tokyo. The attack, made with conventional bombs, destroyed downtown Tokyo and filled the streets with heaps of charred bodies.
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The damage was comparable to the
atomic bombings a few months later in August 1945, but unlike those attacks, the Japanese government has not provided aid to victims and the events of that day have largely been ignored or forgotten.
Elderly survivors are making a last-ditch effort to tell their stories and push for financial help and recognition. Some are speaking out for the first time, trying to tell a younger generation about their lessons.
Shizuyo Takeuchi, 94, said her mission was to keep telling the history she witnessed at 14, speaking out on behalf of those who died.
Shizuyo Takeuchi, 94, shares her experience of the Tokyo firebombing last month in front of a map of the parts of Japan's capital that were damaged. Photo: AP
On the night of March 10, 1945, hundreds of B-29s raided Tokyo, dumping cluster bombs with napalm specially designed with sticky oil to destroy traditional Japanese-style wood and paper homes in the crowded shitamachi downtown neighbourhoods.
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Wartime sites revived as China commemorates victory

RTHK

3 days ago

RTHK

Wartime sites revived as China commemorates victory

Wartime sites revived as China commemorates victory Deep bullet holes still scar the walls of the historic buildings. Photo: RTHK Wartime sites in Shanxi province have been transformed into places of learning and remembrance, as China marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War. One such site is in Yangquan City, where deep bullet holes still scar the walls of buildings. The Liu Family Mansion, once the scene of fierce combat between the Eighth Route Army and Japanese troops, has been restored and converted into an exhibition hall. The display tells the story of a battle where Chinese troops, though outnumbered, won a significant victory. These events were part of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign launched in August 1940, when the Eighth Route Army attacked Japanese-controlled railways and mines in northern China. One of the commanders, Fan Zixia, led sabotage missions along the Zheng-Tai Railway, destroying bridges and capturing train stations to cut off Japanese supply lines. Fan was later killed in 1942. His granddaughter, Fan Wei, has spent years retracing his footsteps – visiting old trenches, water towers, and rail stations where he once fought. 'I'm proud of my grandfather,' Fan Wei said. 'His bravery still inspires our family and younger generations.' China is organising a series of commemorative activities to mark the 80th war victory anniversary, including a major military parade on September 3.