Project Zhaozhao
Historical records of Japan’s wars of aggression and postwar statements, with traceable sources for each conclusion.
This language edition contains 5 public entries. It does not yet cover every historical topic.
Reading methods and data reuse: Methodology · Open data
Historical records
- 2 September 1945: Japan signs the Instrument of SurrenderOn 2 September 1945, Japanese representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The formal signing must be distinguished from the surrender announcement on 15 August.2 sources · Updated:
- The Nanjing Massacre: documentary records of civilian killings and lootingCivilian killings and looting followed the Japanese occupation of Nanjing in December 1937. Contemporary documents and the Tokyo tribunal judgment record these acts. This entry examines records, not the total death toll.2 sources · Updated:
- 15 February 1942: the surrender of Singapore’s defendersOn 15 February 1942, Arthur Percival and Tomoyuki Yamashita held surrender negotiations at Singapore’s Ford factory. A contemporary photograph and the surrender table’s provenance record support the event’s date and location.2 sources · Updated:
Claim checks
- Did Japan sign the formal Instrument of Surrender on 15 August 1945?No. 15 August marks the announcement and spread of surrender news. Japanese representatives signed the formal Instrument of Surrender on 2 September 1945. The dates refer to different stages.4 sources · Updated:
Postwar statements
- 15 August 1995: Tomiichi Murayama’s statement on the war’s fiftieth anniversaryOn 15 August 1995, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed remorse and apology for the harm caused by Japan’s colonial rule and aggression. This entry records the statement and a later official account.2 sources · Updated: