Hidden truths: Japan’s ‘peace’ museums quietly whitewashing its wartime aggression

In Japan, many so-called “peace” museums are revising or removing exhibits that document the country’s wartime aggression, including the Nanjing Massacre, amid rising historical revisionism. Nagasaki recently proposed changing references from “Nanjing Massacre” to the ambiguous “Nanjing Incident,” while museums in Osaka and Hiroshima have downplayed or removed exhibits on atrocities, focusing instead on Japanese civilian suffering.

Experts warn that these changes distort history, erasing Japan’s responsibility for war crimes. Only a few institutions, like the Kyoto Museum for World Peace, continue to present wartime facts despite pressure to simplify or revise displays. Critics link this trend to right-wing influence, government shifts, and deficiencies in history education, arguing that accurate museum exhibits are crucial for teaching the next generation and preventing the recurrence of past tragedies.

Credit : CGTN