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Mr. Tong Zeng,

I’ve learned from my fellow-townsman Chang Zengxi, a retired cadre from Taiyuan, that you are pursuing justice and demanding compensation for the victims of Japanese invaders and their family members. So I am sending my letter of claim to you and sincerely ask you to help me pursue justice from the Japanese government to fulfill my lifelong wish. I will reward you.

I am open to your advice if there is any inadequacy in the letter of claim.

I’ve mailed another copy of the letter of claim I am sending you to the Japanese embassy in China.

When Japan is put on trial, I am willing to appear in court as a witness or audience if necessary.

There are many other similar cases in my village and I’m gathering more information. They all need your help. I will gradually send their letters of claim to you.

Address: Nanliang Village, Yicheng County, Shanxi Province. Postal code: 043510

Chinese victim Ma Xiaoniu’s older brother Ma Changyan
May 28, 1996

Chinese Victim’s Letter of Claim for Compensation from Japan
May 5, 1996

Chinese Victim’s Letter of Claim for Compensation from Japan

Plaintiff: Victim Ma Xiaoniu’s older brother Ma Changyan
Victim: Ma Xiaoniu (young girl)
Defendant: Japanese government
Cause of action: The invading Japanese army cruelly killed my younger sister.
Facts and grounds: In May 1939, the Japanese army invaded my hometown Zhangjia Village in Xiang Mountain in the southeast of Yicheng County, Shanxi Province. After entering our village, the Japanese army committed all crimes including burning, killing, raping and looting. The villagers had to flee for life. At that time, my parents fled to Yuzhuang Village in a mountain about 30 li (1 li = 500 meters) away by taking me and my younger sister along. At dawn one day, as the Japanese army raided Yuezhuang Village, the villagers escaped in a hurry. My parents escaped to the mountain even without the time of carrying along my 3-year-old younger sister who was still sleeping. The Japanese army burned houses, robbed food and insulted the villagers who failed to escape. After the Japanese army left, we hurried back, but only to find that my younger sister had been cruelly killed by the Japanese army. She was covered with blood and flesh. It was a horrible sight to see. My mother cried day and night over my younger sister’s death and had to often escape from the raid of the Japanese army. Finally, due to sorrow and anger, she suffered from schizophrenia and a cramp in limbs and died with hate in her heart. My father got sick due to long-time worry, became paralyzed and lay in bed for 5 years without getting better. At his deathbed, he said we must pursue justice from Japan. The Japanese army cruelly killed my younger sister and made my parents suffer. They are responsible for the death of three of my family members. The Japanese government must morally apologize to and compensate my family 7 million yen to comfort us.

Attached is a copy of a witness’s certificate.
Ambassador Yoshiyasu SATO of the Japanese embassy in China, please forward this letter to the Japanese government.

Chinese victim Ma Xiaoniu’s older brother Ma Changyan (Personal seal)
May 5, 1996

Certificate

I am Gao Dengjian, 78 and my family have lived in Zhangjia Village for centuries. Over 30 years ago, Ma Changyan moved here and became my neighbor. I still remember the history of Ma’s family over the past half a century. When the Japanese army invaded my village, we all escaped to Yuezhuang Village and I saw the cruel death of Ma Changyan’s younger sister wih my own eyes. It is totally true. It is also true that his parents got ill due to sorrow over the death of their daughter and died with hate in their hearts despite treatment.
I hereby certify the above facts.
Gao Dengjian, a Communist Party member, served as head and party branch secretary, etc. of our village from 1940s to 1970s. The above certification is true.

May 5, 1996

Villagers’ Committee of Zhangjia, Wangqu, Yicheng
(Villagers’ Committee seal)
Certifier: Gao Dengjian (Fingerprint)
May 5, 1996
Transcriber: Ma Yunde (Personal seal)