A groundbreaking Japan-China co-produced documentary, *The Nameless Child*, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, premiered in Japan on November 7, 2025, as part of the 2025 China Documentary Festival. The film, which runs until November 20, delves into the poignant stories of Japanese ‘war orphans’ left in China after World War II and their profound gratitude toward their Chinese adoptive parents. During the tumultuous final years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), thousands of Japanese children were abandoned as their families fled. These children were taken in and raised by compassionate locals in northeastern China. After diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan in the 1970s, many of these orphans returned to Japan, only to face significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Struggling with language barriers and cultural differences, many relied on government subsidies for survival. Takeuchi, inspired by childhood memories of news reports about these orphans, embarked on a two-year journey to document their lives. The film features interviews with over 100 surviving orphans and their families, though most of the Chinese adoptive parents have since passed away. ‘Raising enemy children under such extreme circumstances is truly remarkable,’ Takeuchi remarked, expressing his hope to convey the kindness and spirit of the Chinese people to Japanese audiences. The documentary’s main subject, Mariko Kamijo, whose mother was one of the orphans, now runs a nursing institution for elderly orphans. She emphasized the generational impact of war and the importance of peace. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao highlighted the documentary’s role in fostering mutual understanding and shaping a positive future for China-Japan relations. Zhao Jie, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, praised the film as a testament to the ‘community of shared human destiny.’ The festival, held in Tokyo, showcases 10 documentaries on themes ranging from urban governance to cultural exchange, aiming to present contemporary China from diverse perspectives. Takeuchi, who has lived in Nanjing since 2013, has produced several acclaimed documentaries on China, including *The Yangtze River*, which won the Best Documentary Award at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Focus Unit. He hopes his work will dispel outdated stereotypes about China and foster greater appreciation for its modern reality.