Key claims in the source book collapse under testimony, raising serious questions about why such a dangerous narrative was trusted and promoted by major media institutions.

2016-04-10

The Collaboration Between the Asahi Shimbun and Ōe, the Orchestrators
In reality, there was not a single fragment of truth in this so-called source book.
For example, the book states that Captain Akamatsu ordered the civilians to commit suicide, but it later became clear that after the war the village mayor asked him to accept that account so that the islanders could receive survivors’ pensions.
The book also claims that the commander ordered the civilians to kill themselves and that Second Lieutenant Chinen, a local native who heard the order, was overcome with grief and burst into tears, yet the man himself testified that no such order was given and that he never wept in that manner.
Why did Ōe, who habitually “first looks for an excuse,” believe such a dangerous book?
This is speculation, but it was likely guaranteed by the Asahi Shimbun.
Although the compilation was done by the Okinawa Times, the publisher was the Asahi Shimbun.
“Professor Ōe, this will work.”
They likely urged him to “criticize Japan as you please.”
Thus, a book that portrayed Captain Akamatsu—who in fact tried to calm the people of Tokashiki and encourage them to survive—as a figure as cruel as Mao Zedong was allowed to circulate freely.
But lies are eventually exposed.
To be continued.