The alleged command and emotional breakdown were both denied by the person said to be involved, undermining the credibility of a narrative promoted without verification.

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 civilians to commit suicide, but it later became clear that after the war the village mayor asked him to accept that version so that islanders could receive survivors’ pensions.
The book also claims that the commander ordered the civilians to kill themselves and that a locally born second lieutenant, upon hearing the order, burst into tears in anguish; however, the person himself testified that no such order was ever given and that he did not weep 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.