Segments from an interview with former Japanese soldier Ichiro Koyama, 88, for The Japan Times' Witness to War series. For the accompanying story, see search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bi...
oh my goodness this is sad because He is 100% telling the truth. That's how they treated Chiense. At least he admitted it. I feel really sorry that he had no choice, but feel more sorry for the innocent civillians who died. R.I.P.
For anyone who believes that water boarding is Not torture, this man's description of how it was used and the horror of it should convince anyone with a brain that it is torture.
Thats what you usually call waterboarding though. Mostly the same thing, but the version the Japanese did the water was poured uninterruptedly eventually causing death. What you usually hear is intermittent waterboarding to keep the victim alive.
There aren't many veterans like him that knew what cruel things they were doing. It's sad that the strict and punishing system in the military forced even the most nicest person into the biggest monsters.
The different Corona measures in the west in 2021 and 2022 started to make monsters of the vaccinated. Parts of the vaccinated masses wanted the rest of us to be denied healthcare, force us to be isolated and even starve us out.
The treatment of force feeding water and jumping on the stomach was common in Malaya and Singapore too. Growing up, the version I heard in Malaysia was that they were forced to drink soap water and they would jump on their stomach until they die.
Confronting the truth can be painful, but necessary to bring closure. I hope this old soldier can finally make peace with his past. The people who argue about the Nanjing massacre should be made to watch this video. Japanese deniers should hear the truth from someone who was there, and those on the Chinese side would realise that some Japanese soldiers were victims of circumstance. Mr Koyama, I salute you.
Personally, I feel like he still had a lot to atone for, although he must've felt mentally tortured himself looking back on it to this day. His desire to speak out is commendable
We're all with you. None of this makes sense. All the killing. Thank you for being candid and real. I will learn from what you have said. Thank you Koyama San. "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - General Douglas MacArthur
That’s a pretty powerful story. That probably took a lot for the old man to tell and admit all of that too. And we here in America forgot just how different Japanese culture is to our own western cultures and how important pride and honor are in Japan. I hope he can find peace one day.
this is what kills me about the japanese goverment, they deniy these facts that ex veteren soldiers tell their story and never makes the news. i think this man is cool. Unlike other japanese ex soldiers his got enough balls to say what he did. he has totally repented. He has accepted what he has done and is now ready to recieve his punishment after death. but im shure he will RIP after he pays for his sins. 2:13 he says "mendokusai" wich means - annoying, bothersome.
I haven't experienced the hell of war, and I don't even know how much the war hurts every time I remember the wound, so it's a thoughtless statement that I don't have enough respect for those who have experienced war, but Soldiers who killed unarmed civilians or POW do not take responsibility for themselves after retirement, but it is amazing that Mr. Koyama is facing that responsibility in his own way for the rest of his life.
When, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans dont like to be feel critized for their culture by Westerners, they realize when they face each other, it's in many ways a sensitive mirror to each others behavior. Which that's one of major reasons they failed to get along. Whether it's about war or not.
As much as I hate what Japan did during WW2, I gotta give this man props for being honest about what he had done, or made to do. I understand he did not do it out of his own volition, and probably got to enjoy living his life after the WW2, something which was denied to the 15-20 million Chinese that were unnecessarily tortured and killed By the Japanese, and now (at the time of interview) is very easy for him to make those confessions.
I cant tell if Ichiro is trying to talk in a more innocent voice, but Chinese that did not follow orders would be killed wasn't the case. Japanese soldiers would kill without any specific reason, like if you were walking out on the streets normally, a japanese soldier would then charge and stab you. Also, Im not saying Ichiro is a bad person, but many soldiers enjoyed killing and would often laugh while doing so...
He didn't need to be there to know. The survivers also told their side. And they all agree in this one. They murdered children! Raped women (pregnant, very young, very old, didn't matter). How do I know? I read their versions. I suggest you doing the same. It's much more haunting than this candid confession from this old man.
The main difference between the Nazi leaders and Japanese leaders was their view of the overall survival of their people. Nazis at the end of the war could care less about their people, in fact Hitler stated he wanted the entire population destroyed. Contrary to the myth that Japan surrendered unconditionally, they did not. Their demands that were accepted but never acknowledged were as follows: the emperor was not to be touched, the country was to be occupied by one power, all directives were to be filtered through the new Japanese government set up by the occupying power, and the formal occupation would last year's not decades (it actually ended Sept 1951)
Right... as if you only killed soldiers, instead of any civilians. As if the only torture was by water asfixiation. Right. "What a brave man, assuming what he did". Right. As if.
He stated that they also killed people the only suspected of being combatants, and people who just didn't follow their orders. It's not like the guy was trying to pretend they didn't.
Did you even watch the video ? The man stated how cruelly they tortured the civilians that disobeyed them or if they were suspected of being the enemy.
No, Japan invaded first. I believe (but not sure) that Japan entered through Korea, then to Manchuria. After that, they accused the Chinese of attacking them (which they didn't) and then proceeded to attack the Marco Polo Bridge (I think its called that). And that's were it all started. So in other words, Japan is the "bad guy"
They wanted to expand because they wanted to. They wanted land so they can get natural resources. An abundance amount of Japan's way of life: gasoline, metal, water, food, wood came from other countries. They wanted land so they can create their own natural resources instead of buying it.
@@PainandMotivation Yeah, apologists and right wingers claim that Imperial Japan built infrastructure and modernized its colonies, but really, it was mostly just for its own benefit and economy. Especially during a time of war when military spending costs are high.
Japan invaded i China. This is extremely wrong or illegal against the International law. Japan has not right to take over the China's territory. Japan has not excuses on how the Chinese people will reacted to the Japanese soldiers because Japan is in the Chinese home. Japan brutally acted to the Chinese people not like a human being. In the Sino-india clashes in the border, the captured and injured soldiers were taken good care with food and medical services. They were soon delivered to the Indian government. In case of the Nanjing Massacre, Japan acted as a professional killers. Japan should not be forgiven for those unit 731 of the Japanese soldiers.
The past is past... the criminals are dead what's more do you want ? Repeat that shit again bruh.. there's no point looking at the past.. all we can do is try to not do the same shit again.
@@trax_high What if a killer murdered your parents and permanently disabled you for life, and got away with it? How many years has to pass before you can consider it ‘the past is in the past’?
WARNING: Below is just a Google MACHINE TRANSLATION. Please read it in the best possible light ;-) 私には、この男は偉大な英雄です。賢明な、思いやりのある、人間と人間。彼は非常に日本の最高の表現（さらには、アジア）とのできる多くの人が日本語とを切望する必要があります。氏小山いただきありがとうございます。あなたは私の深い尊敬と友情をしている
Thankfully, he is honest. That takes courage. War can make monsters out of even the best people.
oh my goodness this is sad because He is 100% telling the truth. That's how they treated Chiense. At least he admitted it. I feel really sorry that he had no choice, but feel more sorry for the innocent civillians who died. R.I.P.
For anyone who believes that water boarding is Not torture, this man's description of how it was used and the horror of it should convince anyone with a brain that it is torture.
just search it on youtube , someone tried and couldn't resist more than a few seconds. it is torture
@Jojo RiceBubbles what the fuck? Humane waterboarding?
Thats what you usually call waterboarding though. Mostly the same thing, but the version the Japanese did the water was poured uninterruptedly eventually causing death. What you usually hear is intermittent waterboarding to keep the victim alive.
There aren't many veterans like him that knew what cruel things they were doing. It's sad that the strict and punishing system in the military forced even the most nicest person into the biggest monsters.
The different Corona measures in the west in 2021 and 2022 started to make monsters of the vaccinated. Parts of the vaccinated masses wanted the rest of us to be denied healthcare, force us to be isolated and even starve us out.
The treatment of force feeding water and jumping on the stomach was common in Malaya and Singapore too. Growing up, the version I heard in Malaysia was that they were forced to drink soap water and they would jump on their stomach until they die.
Sounds like America's Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and any of Israel's Al Moskobyia, Ktzi'ot other human hell holes
Confronting the truth can be painful, but necessary to bring closure. I hope this old soldier can finally make peace with his past. The people who argue about the Nanjing massacre should be made to watch this video. Japanese deniers should hear the truth from someone who was there, and those on the Chinese side would realise that some Japanese soldiers were victims of circumstance. Mr Koyama, I salute you.
Got to give this man respect for the courage and moral conscience. His karma should be resolved or reduced by these honest actions and activity.
Personally, I feel like he still had a lot to atone for, although he must've felt mentally tortured himself looking back on it to this day. His desire to speak out is commendable
We're all with you. None of this makes sense. All the killing. Thank you for being candid and real. I will learn from what you have said. Thank you Koyama San.
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
- General Douglas MacArthur
lucky you are honest and true than your Japan government .
That’s a pretty powerful story. That probably took a lot for the old man to tell and admit all of that too. And we here in America forgot just how different Japanese culture is to our own western cultures and how important pride and honor are in Japan. I hope he can find peace one day.
this is what kills me about the japanese goverment, they deniy these facts that ex veteren soldiers tell their story and never makes the news.
i think this man is cool. Unlike other japanese ex soldiers his got enough balls to say what he did. he has totally repented. He has accepted what he has done and is now ready to recieve his punishment after death. but im shure he will RIP after he pays for his sins.
2:13
he says "mendokusai" wich means - annoying, bothersome.
kenseisato1989 I can't blame them for not wanting to lie to the grave.
he could probably go to jail for this confession no? well that was 10 yrs ago. he's probably dead by now.
A monster.
The water torture method was also used to Filipinos that time, too OwO
in Singapore to the Chinese too. :(
Really good interview! I liked how he brought comparisons between his time and a more recent war...
I haven't experienced the hell of war, and I don't even know how much the war hurts every time I remember the wound, so it's a thoughtless statement that I don't have enough respect for those who have experienced war, but Soldiers who killed unarmed civilians or POW do not take responsibility for themselves after retirement, but it is amazing that Mr. Koyama is facing that responsibility in his own way for the rest of his life.
When, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans dont like to be feel critized for their culture by Westerners, they realize when they face each other, it's in many ways a sensitive mirror to each others behavior. Which that's one of major reasons they failed to get along. Whether it's about war or not.
War criminal. At least he's honest.
As much as I hate what Japan did during WW2, I gotta give this man props for being honest about what he had done, or made to do. I understand he did not do it out of his own volition, and probably got to enjoy living his life after the WW2, something which was denied to the 15-20 million Chinese that were unnecessarily tortured and killed By the Japanese, and now (at the time of interview) is very easy for him to make those confessions.
I agree with you on that I could never dehumanize other people that way
to start new in a good future we need to be honest about what happened in the past
can anyone confirm this translation. I'm not saying its fake, but before I form an opinion I'd like to be sure.
Yeah it's correct,I know japanese
00poopmonster lol yeah i was really surprised by the quality the translation
DoItLive03 It's correct! Japanese is my native tongue and I watched the whole thing and was surprised at how well they were able to translate it!
It's accurate.
DoItLive03 It's very accurate.
idky but im surprised he said what he did
Why would the Chinese obey your orders? It's their country, not yours.
Pretty sure he understood that. He was just saying that was the reason given, not that it was a good reason.
They were civilians under occupation,so they should have done the rational thing and not piss off armed men.
It was just order.He didnt want to do that.If you were him,You did same thing like him.
War makes beast out of men.
I cant tell if Ichiro is trying to talk in a more innocent voice, but Chinese that did not follow orders would be killed wasn't the case. Japanese soldiers would kill without any specific reason, like if you were walking out on the streets normally, a japanese soldier would then charge and stab you. Also, Im not saying Ichiro is a bad person, but many soldiers enjoyed killing and would often laugh while doing so...
He didn't need to be there to know. The survivers also told their side. And they all agree in this one.
They murdered children! Raped women (pregnant, very young, very old, didn't matter). How do I know? I read their versions.
I suggest you doing the same. It's much more haunting than this candid confession from this old man.
@@Notherenorthere-iq4qx Tou are 100 per cent right.
The main difference between the Nazi leaders and Japanese leaders was their view of the overall survival of their people. Nazis at the end of the war could care less about their people, in fact Hitler stated he wanted the entire population destroyed. Contrary to the myth that Japan surrendered unconditionally, they did not. Their demands that were accepted but never acknowledged were as follows: the emperor was not to be touched, the country was to be occupied by one power, all directives were to be filtered through the new Japanese government set up by the occupying power, and the formal occupation would last year's not decades (it actually ended Sept 1951)
Great video. Too bad were are still doing the same in many countries right now. Water boarding is the term.
I think I'm the only one here who feel no hatred to japan
Funny how what he describes as torture the US government describes as enhanced interrogation techniques
Right... as if you only killed soldiers, instead of any civilians. As if the only torture was by water asfixiation. Right. "What a brave man, assuming what he did". Right. As if.
He stated that they also killed people the only suspected of being combatants, and people who just didn't follow their orders. It's not like the guy was trying to pretend they didn't.
Did you even watch the video ? The man stated how cruelly they tortured the civilians that disobeyed them or if they were suspected of being the enemy.
More like tortured British and American soldiers in WW2. Why is he denying this? Where can I see full documentary? Is he still alive?
what are some examples of brainwash ?
I don’t understand why China is your enemy. Did they invade Japan?
It's called Imperialism.
No, Japan invaded first. I believe (but not sure) that Japan entered through Korea, then to Manchuria. After that, they accused the Chinese of attacking them (which they didn't) and then proceeded to attack the Marco Polo Bridge (I think its called that). And that's were it all started. So in other words, Japan is the "bad guy"
They wanted to expand because they wanted to. They wanted land so they can get natural resources. An abundance amount of Japan's way of life: gasoline, metal, water, food, wood came from other countries. They wanted land so they can create their own natural resources instead of buying it.
@@PainandMotivation
Yeah, apologists and right wingers claim that Imperial Japan built infrastructure and modernized its colonies, but really, it was mostly just for its own benefit and economy. Especially during a time of war when military spending costs are high.
Are you serious? Have you never heard of World War II? Japan invaded China, Korea, Southeast Asia.
This is why we will never allow Japan to rise as a power,amazing people really.
wang jingwei.
All is fair in love and war
This guys alright with me
Japan invaded i China. This is extremely wrong or illegal against the International law. Japan has not right to take over the China's territory. Japan has not excuses on how the Chinese people will reacted to the Japanese soldiers because Japan is in the Chinese home. Japan brutally acted to the Chinese people not like a human being. In the Sino-india clashes in the border, the captured and injured soldiers were taken good care with food and medical services. They were soon delivered to the Indian government. In case of the Nanjing Massacre, Japan acted as a professional killers. Japan should not be forgiven for those unit 731 of the Japanese soldiers.
The past is past... the criminals are dead what's more do you want ? Repeat that shit again bruh.. there's no point looking at the past.. all we can do is try to not do the same shit again.
No. Theres EVERY reason to look at the past. So you dont repeat the same mistakes. Period.
@@Hubcapdiamondstarhalo ^
@@trax_high
What if a killer murdered your parents and permanently disabled you for life, and got away with it? How many years has to pass before you can consider it ‘the past is in the past’?
@@trax_high They still worship their war criminals.
WARNING: Below is just a Google MACHINE TRANSLATION. Please read it in the best possible light ;-) 私には、この男は偉大な英雄です。賢明な、思いやりのある、人間と人間。彼は非常に日本の最高の表現（さらには、アジア）とのできる多くの人が日本語とを切望する必要があります。氏小山いただきありがとうございます。あなたは私の深い尊敬と友情をしている