Japanese actor: We should be honest when facing the facts

“I’ve noticed there are some historical truths people may not know in Japan. Some Japanese harmed Chinese people in the past, we should be honest when facing the facts, what is done is done”, Japanese actor Koji Yano said during an interview with Xinhuanet. Yano was invited on Wednesday as a guest speaker for the cultural exchange event of ‘To build bridge of communication between China and Japan with honesty’. This event was organized by University of Beijing International Business and Economics. After the activity, he told Xinhuanet about his understanding of China-Japan historical issues, and gave his goodwill wishes for future-oriented relationship between the two countries. “We shall never give up the hope on smoothing the relationship between China and Japan, there should be deeper communication and understanding between the two countries, and this will benefit strengthening friendship and resolving disputes,” Yano argued. Koji Yano is a pioneer for Japanese actors who started his show biz career in Beijing since 2001. He built career in China by portraying imperial Japanese army soldier and army officer in a series of Chinese history action dramas. Yano was also co-hosted the popular TV show “Day Day Up” in China since 2008. His honest acting style impressed Chinese audiences. Gradually, he also built up his life in China. Because of his sincerity, he has made many friends, of both Chinese and Japanese, and has often discussed with them about China-Japan historical issues. Meanwhile he also has done a lot of research on the issue himself. He has finally realized that there is a lot of information he never knew when in Japan, and therefore wishes to play a more positive role in grassroots exchanges for China-Japan relations.