Hiding the truth is not solution to past crime

The Japanese translation of Iris Chang's "The Rape of Nanking" has been postponed in publishing because of controversy over the way it depicts Japanese soldiers in World War II.

The book tells, in graphic detail, of the atrocities that Japanese soldiers inflicted on Chinese civilians.

The book should be published as-is. Chang's depiction may be open to criticism, but it is based on factual findings. If Japanese academics and politicians disagree with the book, they may refute, but it is unfair to the concept of truth to keep such information secret merely because it might prove embarrassing.

In addition, the publishers should not give in to right-wingers and print an apologetic pamphlet with the book. Change herself has not opposed the printing of such a "guide" separately, yet it should not be marketed as such.

Japan should face up to the truth about its actions during the war with China and print "The Rape of Nanking" without further editing.

The atrocities themselves were bad enough, yet to downplay the truth would be even more heinous.