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policy of loot all, kill all and burn all. So, I gave them orders not to hurt the Japanese people. To go out, they
needed three or more people. In this way, I felt there would be less of an opportunity for them to commit
bad things. I didn’t want them to bring shame to the Chinese people.
Why were you put in prison? Was it because of your leadership skills?
I was kept in prison and placed on trial for murder. It was not to separate me. As a brigade leader, it
was diffi cult. Some Chinese leaders placed in prison became conspirators with the Japanese. But, for me as a
soldier, I treat my fellow soldiers as a brother. They follow me as I lead.
Why did you stay in Japan after the war ended?
The prison authority released me to the Chinese embassy, but the Chinese embassy did not come to my
aid for fi ve months (two of these months were before the war ended and three were after). Once they came
to get me, I went to Tokyo and Yokohama for the war crimes tribunals to testify to what happened to us in
Hanaoka. I was allowed to briefl y go home before the Yokohama tribunal. This was an exception made for
me. Normally, once you fi le a complaint you have to stay. I was allowed to return home briefl y because I was
suffering from headaches and injuries.
When were you united with your family?
As a prisoner of war, prior to Hanaoka, I was injured in the stomach. My family thought I was dead
because my compatriots had told them they thought I was dead. In reality, I was captured. My family never
quite believed I was dead. As soon as I was free, I wrote home. In total, I was away for two years. In
November 1946, I returned home. When my family heard, they couldn’t believe it.
Were there any spiritual or philosophical thoughts that helped sustain you during this time?
I’m not superstitious. I don’t believe in God. I believe in my conscience. If I believe it is good, I should
do it. I believe that men are kind-hearted. My wife always believed that I would come back to her.
What lessons would you like us to take back to our students?
Teachers should endeavor to improve their own quality, personal righteousness and integrity. It is
important for students to know the disasters that war will bring to humanity. You should show the importance
of peace. Treasure peace! Teachers should serve as examples to their students.
Years after the event, do you have any health or emotional issues?
After the war, we returned to our homeland. Forced laborers pursued different careers and enjoyed
freedom. We were separated though, and had little opportunity to talk. I became a farmer. It is important
for us to struggle to build a country that cannot be attacked again.
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