Unit 731 represents the dark shadow of Japan's aggressive wars, and it is essential to inform the public of its actions, Tatsuo Kawano, a participant at Saturday's gathering, told Xinhua, adding that he hoped the gathering would lead to new progress in the investigation.
Lin Bingyuan, a combat hero celebrated for his valor and contributions during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), passed away at the age of 92.
The Silk Road Ark made its public debut on Wednesday as it set sail from a naval port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, heading for islands and reefs in the South China Sea such as Yongxing Island and Yongshu Reef.
"I have always wanted to go to China to pray for the deceased and apologize to their families," said Hideo Shimizu, a Japanese veteran who served at the notorious Japanese germ warfare army during World War II.
