Director Hayao Miyazaki: ”We must never forget the massacre of Japanese civilians”

Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki (83), who was selected as this year's recipient of the Magsaysay Award, mentioned the issue of Japanese massacres of civilians in his acceptance speech.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, on the 24th, director Hayao Miyazaki said at the Magsaysay Awards ceremony held in Manila, Philippines on the 16th that Japanese people were killed in the Pacific War.
"We must never forget the massacre of civilians committed in the Philippines." Studio Ghibli director Kenichi Yoda read his acceptance speech on his behalf.
Director Hayao Miyazaki said, "Receiving the award made me think about the Philippines again. The Japanese were brutal during the war.
"The Japanese people must not forget this," he said. Director Hayao Miyazaki has previously said that Japan must apologize for the comfort women issue.
"Given that history, I take it very seriously to receive the Magsaysay Award in the Philippines," said Miyazaki.
I am truly grateful." The Magsaysay Award was established to honor former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a plane crash in 1957.
The award is given to individuals or groups who have contributed to peace and the promotion of human rights. Mother Teresa, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and others have received the award. This year's recipients include four individuals, including director Hayao Miyazaki.
The Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation selected one person and one organization as the winner. The awards committee said that they chose director Hayao Miyazaki because, "His works are not only commercially successful, but also express a deep understanding of humanity and are a valuable work of art."
"We will encourage people to reflect and be considerate," he said, explaining, "We will help children understand issues such as environmental protection, peace, and women's rights through art." He also said, "We will look back on the past and the future of our two countries for a better future."
It made me think about the importance of facing this and remembering it," he added.