Study Tour in Zhejiang

A panorama view of the city of Yiwu, Zhejiang

Report session at Yiwu by representatives of the victims of the

Japanese biological warfare launched by the infamous Unit 731

during World War II in China

Mr. Wang Pei Geng, plaintiff representative and General Secretary

of the Unit 731 Lawsuit filed in Tokyo, gives an account of the biological

warfare waged by the Japanese army in Zhejiang Province in 1942.

Ms. Wang Xuan, chief plaintiff representative of the Unit 731 lawsuit,

reports that in 2002 the Tokyo District Court made a historical judgment 

confirming the Japanese army’s biological warfare in China and also the

Japanese Government’s responsibility according to international laws. 

However the verdict rejected the plaintiffs' demand for apology and

compensation from the Japanese government.  The appeal is being

processed at the Tokyo High Court.

Mr. Yang Da Fang testifies that his father and uncle were killed 

by plague of the Japanese biological warfare. He took hours of

train journey from Qu Zhou to Yiwu to meet the teachers.

Teachers listen attentively to the speakers, hear what happened in China

and what is happening now in the Japanese courts.

Ms. Zhang Hua Xing, student of Ningbo University, leads a team of

student volunteers to locate victims of the Japanese biological

warfare living in the villages and record their oral testimonies.

Hua Xing and some of her team members

A light-hearted moment during the reporting session

On behalf of the delegation, Greg Smith and Thekla Lit present a

certificate of appreciation and a souvenir to Wang Xuan

Field trip to Chong Shan Village, Wang Xuan’s home village and one of the

most seriously attacked villages of the Japanese biological warfare in 1942

Mr. Wang Jin Hua, representative of Chong Shan Village, says, “In September 1942,

Japanese invaders brought unprecedented disaster to our village in its 600 years of

history. 403 villagers were killed of plague bacteria spread by Japanese aircraft.”

Mr. Lou Liang Qin, a 5 years old Yiwu boy in 1942, is the only survivor

of his family. His mother, two sisters and father were all killed in the biological

warfare.  “Every time I recall my past, my head aches, it’s painful. I will

fight for justice to the end. I was an orphan. I was raised by people on the street,”

he says.

Names of all identified and deceased victims of Chong Shan Village

and Yiwu are listed on the display boards.

Delegates showing solidarity with the villagers of Chong Shan in

their senior’s activity center where the witnessing takes place.

The inscription on the wall with a red background reads “No justice, No peace.”

The map of Chong Shan Village indicates the location of houses burnt down

by the Japanese invaders on November 18, 1942, which includes a historic 

and majestic ancestral temple. The fire left 170 households and 700 people homeless.

Family member of victims testifies at the Memorial for Victims of Yiwu area.

Laying wreath at the Memorial

Silent tribute to the victims

Local TV covering the study group’s meeting with the biological warfare

survivors at Tang Xi Town, about 70 km southwest of Yiwu

Madam Li Mei Tou, a victim of anthrax attack, shows the incurable

wound on her leg that she has lived with for more than 60 years. In 1942, 

about 70 villages in this area contracted this disease almost at the

same time after the Japanese aircrafts dropping some “white powder”.

Presenting a souvenir cap with the maple leaf to Mr. Feng Zhi Shou,

Vice Principal of the Tang Xi College for the Seniors who helps organize the

witnessing session

Mr. Chen Chong Wen of Ya Fan Town comes to meet with the delegates 

at Tang Xi showing the open wound on his leg. His only wish is to have his

rotten leg cured. His story was covered by BBC a few years ago. An American

doctor visited him in April 2002 after watching the BBC documentary but could

not provide a solution to heal the wound which he diagnosed to be the result of

anthrax attack.

A red banner is put up to show warm welcome to the delegation by folks

of Xia Yi Village which is also one of the so-called "Rotten Leg Villages".

Villagers come out to greet the delegates on their way to the meeting place.

Meeting survivors from the “rotten leg villages" in the

vicinity at a community center of Xia Yi

Victim Mr. Yi Bing Gui says that his jaw cannot function normally for 60 years

as a sequela of  the Japanese biological warfare.  He cannot chew normally

and thus can only take fluid and soft food.

A couple who are both victims of anthrax attack

The nose of Madam Xu Si Nai is disfigured after an infection of glanders,

the bacteria used as a biological weapon by the Japanese army. She is still

suffering from bleeding from time to time.

Taking notes attentively

Exchanging T-shirt with the student investigation team of Ningbo

University at Xia Yi Village, one of their investigation sites

(Click here to view more photos of the investigation provided by China918.net)

After a long working day, Mr. He Bi Hui, volunteer Secretary General of the

Unit 731 Lawsuit Support Group, generously gives a treat to the delegates at his

Muslim restaurant.

The chef of the restaurant and his kid come out to meet with the delegates.

At the reception hosted by the municipal government of Yiwu

Touring the Temple of the Local God of Tang Xi, a preserved

cultural heritage site of Zhejiang Province

Touring the Yiwu International Trade Centre, a famous place of trading

jewelries, art and craft, toys, silk flowers, and other small commodities