标签： Asia

The community of surviving witnesses to one of World War II’s most horrific atrocities continues to diminish with the passing of Xu Deming at age 96. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders confirmed his death on Friday, reducing the number of officially registered survivors to just 22.

The Nanjing Massacre represents one of the darkest chapters in modern history, occurring after Imperial Japanese forces captured China’s capital on December 13, 1937. During six weeks of systematic violence, approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were brutally slaughtered in an episode that shocked the world with its sheer barbarity.

Xu Deming’s personal testimony, preserved through historical records, recounted the traumatic events his family endured: ‘Japanese invaders stormed into our home and seized my father. They transported him to Shuiximen and subsequently to the Qingliang Mountain area for mass execution. Although we received information about his whereabouts from a witness, we never recovered his remains.’ The then-54-year-old father’s disappearance left the family struggling for survival in refugee camps with severe food shortages.

This declining population of firsthand witnesses has prompted China to implement extensive preservation efforts. In 2014, the National People’s Congress established December 13 as an official memorial day for the massacre victims. The Chinese government has meticulously documented survivor accounts through written transcripts and video recordings, creating an extensive archival repository. These historically significant materials gained international recognition in 2015 when they were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, ensuring the atrocities are never forgotten despite the passing of those who witnessed them.

More than 100 visitors found themselves unexpectedly stranded overnight at a historic mountain shrine in Japan’s Saitama prefecture after heavy snowfall rendered access roads impassable. Approximately 130 individuals, including motorists from roughly 50 vehicles, sought refuge within the halls and lobbies of Mitsumine Shrine on Friday evening when local authorities closed surrounding routes due to hazardous winter conditions.

The Chichibu government confirmed all stranded visitors remained in good health despite the unforeseen circumstances. The incident occurred as Japan experiences a significant cold front that has deposited up to 80 centimeters of snow in some regions over the past 72 hours, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Local police reported the road closures near Mitsumine Shrine were implemented following multiple weather-related incidents, including vehicles slipping on icy surfaces. The area has experienced temperatures plunging to -15°C alongside approximately 4cm of fresh snowfall, creating particularly dangerous travel conditions.

Perched at 1,110 meters above sea level in the mountains near Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine represents one of Japan’s significant Shinto centers, dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi who feature prominently in Japanese creation mythology. The shrine’s history traces back to the 1st Century when it was reportedly established by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.

Meteorological forecasts indicate the severe weather pattern will continue, with predictions of up to 40cm additional snowfall in some areas through Saturday. The incident highlights the challenges posed by Japan’s winter weather patterns even at popular cultural and religious sites.

In the mountainous orchards of Zhongzhuang township, Zibo city, a digital transformation is taking root alongside the apple trees. During peak harvest season, couples navigate through groves heavy with ripe fruit, but instead of traditional baskets, they carry smartphones and streaming equipment. These agricultural workers have embraced dual roles as both fruit growers and digital content creators, leveraging online platforms to revolutionize their sales approach.

The regional government has actively fostered this evolution by establishing comprehensive support systems including e-commerce service centers and specialized training platforms. These initiatives guide local farmers in developing digital marketing skills and expanding their online commercial channels. Strategic partnerships have been formed with major e-commerce platforms, supermarket chains, and community group-buying services to create integrated sales networks.

What distinguishes these agricultural influencers is their authentic approach: they conduct livestreams directly from the orchards, providing real-time demonstrations that allow consumers to virtually experience the apples’ growing environment. This transparency builds consumer confidence while showcasing product quality. The husband-and-wife teams particularly excel at creating engaging content that blends agricultural expertise with personal storytelling, making the fruit-buying experience both educational and entertaining.

This innovative model represents a significant upgrade to traditional fruit industry practices, merging agricultural production with digital entrepreneurship. The success in Zhongzhuang township demonstrates how rural communities can leverage technology to create sustainable economic models while maintaining agricultural traditions.