Several organizations demonstrated in front of the Japanese consulate in the Central district of Hong Kong on Thursday. The demonstrations coincided with the 68th anniversary of Japan's invasion of China. Demonstrators blamed Tokyo for not facing up to history.

More than 100 members of groups such as the Hong Kong Reparation Association and the Federation of Hong Kong, and Kowloon Labor Unions expressed concern over what they described as a resurgence of militarism in Japan. Others voiced their anger over Japan's latest textbook amendments to disown Tokyo's barbaric deeds during its invasion of China and World War II.

The protesters, some of whom marched from the Central post office to the consulate, demanded that Japan apologize for its crimes and compensate local victims.

One of the demonstrators and a War of Resistance against Japan veteran, a Mr Li, said: "We should never forget the brutality and crimes committed by the Japanese during their invasion. It is only proper that the Japanese government take responsibility to compensate the victims and issue a formal apology.

"The younger generation must remember the War of Resistance and learn from the valuable lessons of history," he added.

Another protester said a group of local residents was taking legal action against the Japanese government for its war crimes and the distortion of history in its textbooks.

The demonstrators also denounced Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's annual visits to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, dedicated to the Japanese who died in the war including war criminals.

A spokesman for the Japanese consulate said the number of protesters had more than doubled this year from 42 in 2004. The consulate received many letters of protest, too, condemning Japan's war crimes and its refusal to own up to its war crimes.

Some demonstrators also marched to the US Consulate, protesting against the US' backing of Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

(China Daily July 8, 2005)