Former Japanese football star Keisuke Honda sparked global controversy – and then a rare public reversal – after questioning the historical truth of the Nanjing Massacre. The 38-year-old, once a household name in Asian sports, faced intense backlash for endorsing revisionist claims before issuing a heartfelt apology 24 hours later. 🚨
From Denial to Apology
It started Friday when Honda shared a video of late politician Shintaro Ishihara denying the 1937 atrocity, adding: "I believe that too." Social media erupted, with users flooding his posts with historical evidence and urging him to "study primary sources." One blunt reply: "Ignorance leads to dangerous revisionism." 💬
A U-Turn Fueled by Facts
By Saturday, Honda did the unexpected: he publicly recanted. After reviewing wartime diaries, military documents, and foreign eyewitness accounts, he admitted: "The facts align with history… I was wrong." His reference list included chilling firsthand accounts from Japanese soldiers stationed in Nanjing during the massacre. 📚
"These records existed immediately after the events," Honda emphasized, noting cross-verified evidence from multiple countries. The athlete-turned-influencer later thanked critics for "the opportunity to relearn" this dark chapter.
Why It Matters
The Nanjing Massacre remains one of WWII's most horrific episodes, with over 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers killed after Japanese troops captured the then-capital. Honda’s initial comments – and swift reversal – highlight how historical awareness collides with modern social media, where a single post can become a viral teachable moment. 🌐
As one Weibo user noted: "Even legends need to respect history." ⚖️
