Dec+23th,+1948

=Dec 22th, 1948=

I haven’t been looking at the diary for such a long time. The paper in the diary became very yellow and all the dusts in the world seemed to come to this diary to make it dirty.

I regret for not writing the diary daily. At first, I promised myself to write it every day, but I guess I am not a record-type of man. Yesterday, I even prepared a place to read my past diary entries thoroughly, but all there was was only three! I should have written many entries. From the last entry to today I have experienced many things.. It is just sad that I don’t remember everything.

Before the Nanking massacre, I gave a big, official warning to Chinese people. I told them if they don’t surrender, these things would continue. I made clear that, as a Japanese general, I didn’t want further death. After this I gathered up about 300 military leaders and soldiers to condemn those who committed barbaric murder in the Nanking massacre. But they didn’t listen to me at all. I knew why; they had a noble general, what would they fear.

From then to now - yes, until now! - I never regarded the Japanese Army as a thoughtful nor moral army. I even reported to <> that the Japanese army is the most undisciplined army. Of course, I warned and condemned Asoka countless times, but unfortunately he didn’t listen.

I 퇴역 after the Nanking massacre, and went back to my home town. I built a sculpture that faced the direction of Nanking and concentrated on praying.

Yes. The time passed and I am imprisoned in here. Where? It is Sugamo prison! I am a prisoner meant to be hanged tomorrow morning. This is going to be my last diary entry...The last...

I was accused to promote the Nanking massacre. I finally broke the promise made between Abe and me. I am going to be memorized as bad guys by Chinese people and I am going to be memorized as a bad guy who embarrassed the nation. Either way, my name is going to be famous in the world’s history, not in a good way.

Few days ago I was having a dull conversation with fellow prisoners, and I could hear things about Asoka. For some reason, he wasn’t accused of the Nanking massacre. The prisoners were making fuss and said that he is concentrating on golf and he is planning to establish a golf course by his name. I thought something was wrong.

It is already night. When it becomes tomorrow morning, I am going to be in front of many people, and there will be a rope around my neck. But Diary, I hope you remember this thing. I never tried to promote the Nanking massacre. I just wanted Japan and China to have good diplomatic relationship. Diary, you are the only one who listens me. Please...