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Bernard Chan

I attended a memorial service last month for victims of the Nanking massacre, held at the Hong Kong government offices in Admiralty.
Such occasions are solemn reminders of history’s darkest moments, forcing us to pause and reflect on the scale of the tragedy that unfolded after the city was seized on December 13, 1937, and the broader suffering inflicted on China during World War II. Government figures estimate that military and civilian casualties exceeded 35 million, with 21 million lives lost, leaving an enduring scar on the nation.
For many people in Hong Kong, and indeed across the country, recalling these atrocities is not merely an act of historical remembrance. It is an expression of empathy for a generation that endured unspeakable pain and suffering, a collective memory that must not fade.
After the ceremony, I reflected on the enormity of the loss and the complex reality we navigate today. How do we acknowledge this painful history while living fully in the present? How do we honour the past without letting it become a barrier to our future?
These are not abstract questions. They confront many of us, not only as observers of history but also in our daily lives. While I mourn the tragedy, I also have many close Japanese friends and long-standing business partners. This duality is not a contradiction but a lived reality for many who grew up with Japanese everyday influences.
Previous generations, including my grandfathers’ and my father’s, understood reconciliation required courage. They recognised the importance of remembering the past but also knew the path forward lay in cooperation, not isolation. I try to continue that legacy.


But maintaining the status quo is challenging, as evidenced by the swift escalation in tensions after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statements on Taiwan. Her comments prompted Beijing to restrict seafood imports and issue travel warnings, prompting many to cancel visits to Japan.
Against this backdrop, a senior figure close to Japan’s prime minister reportedly suggested Japan consider acquiring a nuclear deterrent. Though rejected by the government, the suggestion drew criticism and anger at home and concern across a region where memories of war and atomic devastation endure.
This is why remembrance matters: without a clear awareness of history, security debates can easily drift away from the restraint and trust that underpin regional stability.
For some, honouring the past means limiting our interactions with Japan. While the emotional roots of this view are evident, it misses a crucial opportunity for healing and overlooks how closely connected our societies have become.
Many in the younger generation, both in China and Japan, view these events as ancient, abstract history, so we mustn’t let the memory fade.

We need to remember the Nanking massacre and the second world war, and remind our children that peace is fragile and must be protected. We tell the story to prevent the horror from repeating, while recognising that condemning past actions does not entail condemning people today.
In my experience, disengagement is the antithesis of understanding. When we stop trading, sharing culture and talking to one another, we create space for suspicion and stereotypes. However, everyday experience tells a different story. Many of us grew up with Japanese products, from rice cookers to Sony Walkmans and Toyota cars, and Japan remains a favoured destination for travel, shopping and food.
These connections are also practical. Japan faces challenges Hong Kong knows well, including a rapidly ageing population. Over the years, I have seen how Japanese businesses and communities adapt to these pressures, and there is value in continuing to learn from one another. Such functional exchanges are easily overlooked, yet they are part of what keeps relationships grounded and constructive.


This is where Hong Kong has a unique role to play. Under “one country, two systems”, we sit at the interface between national identity and international engagement. Therefore, we must remember and remain sensitive to the historical pain and trauma, while also upholding our role as a global connector.
I try to practise this balance in my relationships. I have always been open to discussing this history with my Japanese friends and business partners. Honest discussion allows us to say: “This happened, it was barbaric, and we must ensure it never happens again, but we will build a better future together.”
The most sincere response to a painful history is to engage, so the lessons of the past guide our choices for the future. It is incumbent on us to remember the past, empathise with those who suffered, and remain committed to shaping an inclusive and fair society where such tragedies have no place. In the end, remembrance is about guiding us to live in peace.


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Remembering the pain of the Nanking massacre does not preclude engagement, but ensures lessons of the past strengthen our shared commitment to peace


Remembering the pain of the Nanking massacre does not preclude engagement, but ensures lessons of the past strengthen our shared commitment to peace.


Japan

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's second world war history

China-Japan relations

Sanae Takaichi

Taiwan

History

War and conflict

Tokyo

Chinese history

Hong Kong society

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Amid historical tensions with Japan, Hong Kong must engage for the future

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Remembering the pain of the Nanking massacre does not preclude engagement, but ensures lessons of the past strengthen our shared commitment to peace

Remembering the pain of the Nanking massacre does not preclude engagement, but ensures lessons of the past strengthen our shared commitment to peace