The Rape of Nanking

The Rape of Nanking: An Undeniable History in Photographs

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Background

Bishop Tutu

Preface

Authors

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Translation

Museum Exhibits

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JUNE 8 through AUGUST 27, 1998

Light "The Rape of Nanking: A Photo Documentary" will be on exhibit at the Divine Word Missionaries' Light of the Word Mission Gallery, 1835 Waukegan Road, Techny, Illinois, through August 27, 1998. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Phone (847) 272-7600, ext. 18. Techny is located between Glenview and Northbrook, Illinois on Waukegan Road.

Divine On July 23, 1998, at 7 p.m., author Shi Young and editor Ron Dorfman, accompanied by musicians playing ancient Chinese instruments, will read excerpts in the Mission Gallery from diaries, documents, and survivors' accounts of the Rape of Nanking.

Our exhibit on THE RAPE OF NANKING is available for display in museums, galleries, and other public spaces. For information, e-mail Shi Young

PLAN OF THE EXHIBIT

The exhibit is constructed in 20 modules, each maximally occupying 5 feet, 8-1/2 inches of linear wall space, though the material can be reconfigured for different spaces. These modules are grouped in 9 sections, each with a large banner heading over the first module, a block of introductory text, and a few large images. In sections with multiple modules, subsequent panels display more but smaller images with caption-labels.

I."Truth and Reconciliation"

  • A brief summary of the exhibit and the text of Bishop Tutu's "Foreword" from The Rape of Nanking: An Undeniable History in Photographs. This explains why the subject is important now. (1 module)

    II. "The Sino-Japanese War"

  • A chronology of Japan's efforts to subdue China, and Chinese resistance, with a simple map showing geographical relationships and the major cities. (1 module)

    III. "The Sack of Nanking"

  • The capture of Shanghai and the invasion of Nanking (1 module)

    IV. "Mass Murders"

  • The execution of civilians and prisoners of war in groups of hundreds or thousands at a time. (4 modules)

    V. "Little Murders"

  • The killings of individual captives, and the methods and weapons used. (3 modules)

    VI. "Women and Children"

  • The rape, mutilation, and murder of women and children, plus a brief account of the issue of the "Comfort Women" from Korea and the Philippines. (3 modules)

    VII. "Heroic Foreigners"

  • Efforts by the city's remaining international community, principally Germans, Britons, and Americans, to protect the lives of the people. (4 modules)

    VIII. "Responsibility"

  • The War Crimes Tribunal; the unsettled issue of the culpability of Emperor Hirohito and his uncle, Prince Asaka; the efforts by the Emperor's younger brother, Prince Misaka, to stop the slaughter. (1 module)

    IX. "Denial and Remorse"

  • Two images and statements: former Justice Minister Shigeto Nagano asserting that the Rape of Nanking is "a fabrication," and Nobel Laureate Kenzaburo Oe insisting that Japan must acknowledge its war crimes if it is to be a true partner in the new Asia. (1 module)

    SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

  • Each visitor will receive a pocket-size packet into which he or she can insert cards with supplementary information and references that will be available in acrylic boxes mounted at the first module in each section.

  • Two or more display cases will have artifacts gathered in Nanking or lent by the museum there.

  • Videos: Rev. John G. Magee's film of the assault on Nanking as it was happening; a new video with the testimony of survivors.

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