Museum displays Japanese invasion evidence

CHENGDU - A privately run museum in Southwest China's Sichuan province launched an exhibition on Tuesday, showcasing more than 6,000 pieces of evidence documenting Japanese atrocities during WWII.

The 3,500-square-meter exhibition hall in Jianchuan Museum in Anren Township of Dayi County was designed by famous Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. About 95 percent of the exhibits are from Japan, said museum owner Fan Jianchuan.

The evidence includes records of the Japanese killing Chinese civilians, letters from Japanese soldiers, official documents during the bombings, propaganda pictorials boasting military achievements, shell debris and Japanese officers' swords.

"I hope this exhibition can attract large numbers of Japanese people to visit and reflect," Fan said.

Arata Isozaki, 84, has visited Jianchuan Museum for six times for the design, according to Fan.

Jianchuan Museum, established by entrepreneur Fan Jianchuan, opened to the public in 2005. It is one of the largest private museums in China with about 30 exhibition halls focusing on the anti-Japanese war, folk customs and earthquakes.