1. Point for Discussion: Explain why the Japanese invaded areas in Asia.
Focus 3/2
Between 1937 and 1945, the Japanese were responsible for some of the most disgusting war crimes the world has ever seen. Though not as well known as the atrocities committed by the Nazis in Europe, the crimes committed against the Chinese and Koreans by Japan are among the worse in history.
Point for Discussion: Explain why the Japanese invaded areas in Asia.
Term to Know: atrocity
Critical Lens: The Japanese war crimes are not as well known as the war crimes committed by the Nazis.

2. Japanese Atrocities During World War II

3. Japan in World War II
1931 – Japan takes control of Manchuria, China, becomes known as the Manchurian Incident

4. Japan in World War II
Japan moves quickly and aggressively seizes more territory in China

5. Japan in World War II
Japan’s military tactics not only included atrocities against Chinese soldiers, but also Chinese civilians

6. Japan in World War II
Rape of Nanjing (Nanking) – At least 100,000 civilians were killed in the city of Nanjing.

7. Japan in World War II
Video Iris Chang: The Rape of Nanking DVD

8. Japan in World War II Unit 731
Unit 731 was a covert biological and chemical warfare research and development unit of the Imperial Japanese Army that undertook lethal human experimentation during World War II. It was responsible for some of the most notorious war crimes carried out by Japanese personnel.

9. Japan in World War II Unit 731 Vivisection without anesthesia
Amputated limbs to study blood loss
Exposed people to syphilis and gonorrhea
Tested Flame Throwers
- Experimented with Germ warfare

10. Japan in World War II
Korean “Comfort” Women – Thousands of Korean women were raped by Japanese soldiers

11. Japan in World War II
Bataan Death March – 70,000 prisoners were forced to march in the tropical heat with little water or food while being tortured the whole way.
600 Americans were among the dead

12. Closure
After World War II, many of the atrocities committed by the Japanese were overlooked. How did the efforts of the Korean Comfort women bring these atrocities to light?