Nanjing Massacre survivor records testimony in US (7)

Xia Shuqin, the only survivor of the Nanjing Massacre to witness the successful legal ruling against Japan and collect compensation, went to the U.S. to film a testimony for a project being curated by the USC Shoah Foundation.

Founded in 1994 by renowned film director Steven Spielberg, the University of Southern California's Shoah Foundation works to preserve historic accounts, recording the memories of survivors of massacres all over the world. The foundation has been cooperating with the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall since 2012, recording oral histories provided by survivors.

On Oct. 21, the second day after Xia arrived in the U.S., the elderly woman visited the headquarters and studio of Shoah Foundation. Xia spoke with staff members to learn about the interviewing and filming process.

At a welcome ceremony held by an overseas Chinese association in Los Angeles on Oct. 23, Xia recalled the experience of her parents and four siblings being killed by Japanese invaders on Dec. 13, 1937, when she was just 8 years old. Xia’s two elder sisters were raped by the invaders before they were killed. Xia managed to survive after losing consciousness due to three stab wounds.

During the ceremony, Xia expressed her gratitude to the Americans who had assisted her. That afternoon, Xia arrived in Los Angeles to speak with survivors of massacres in other countries.

The formal testimony collection starts from Oct. 24, and is expected to continue until Oct. 28. The video will be broadcast at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to illustrate the personal side of the horrific event.