Source: Global Network
[Global Network Report] The news released by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on November 10, 2021 was specially dug out by the Chinese website of Kyodo News. The Chinese website of Kyodo News published an article on the 4th, explaining the Japanese government’s application to the United Nations for the “Memory of the World List” (also known as the “World Documentary Heritage” or the “Memory of the World Heritage”) for the Buddhist historical materials of the Tang Dynasty in China. The article stated that the two historical materials are "Related Documents and Classics of Master Zhizheng Yuanzhen—Passports of Japan and China—" and "Three Great Collections of Zenjoji Temple, the Headquarters of the Pure Land Sect". Among them, the relevant documents and classics of Master Zhizheng Yuanzhen are from The precious information brought back by the Tang Dynasty of China.
Kyodo News report screenshot
The report claimed that regarding the censorship system of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) "Memory of the World Register", taking the opportunity of the "Nanjing Massacre" related materials to be included in the list, Japan demanded reforms, and UNESCO A new system has been introduced whereby relevant countries can raise objections. As the first batch of heritage-listed projects under the new system, the Japanese government decided in November last year to recommend two Buddhist historical materials passed down from ancient times, and various historical materials-related groups have submitted applications to UNESCO. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology cadres who conducted the selection claimed: "These historical materials are national treasures or important national cultural properties, and sufficient academic investigations have been conducted. It is believed that objections are unlikely."
Kyodo News Agency mentioned that these two historical materials are " Documents and classics related to Master Zhizheng Yuanzhen—Passports of Japan and China—" and "The Three Great Collections of Zojoji Temple, the Headquarters of the Pure Land Sect." Documents and classics related to Yuanzhen are a group of 56 ancient documents collected by Enjoji Temple in Otsu City ( Mitsui Temple ) and Tokyo National Museum , all of which are national treasures; the three major collections of Zojoji Temple in Minato-ku, Tokyo are designated as important cultures heritage.
The report continued that the above-mentioned 56 documents are Buddhist scriptures and Buddhist paintings brought back from the Tang Dynasty of China by Enzhen, who introduced esoteric Buddhism to Japan during the Heian period . They also include "transit passes" issued by the Tang Dynasty government. According to Yuancheng Temple , although there are cases of "Guosuo" being excavated, this is the only original document in the world that has been preserved and passed down to this day. It is an important historical material for understanding the transportation system of the Tang Dynasty.
(Part of the picture source of "Japanese and Chinese passports of the "Related Documents and Classics of Zhizheng Master Yuanzhen" applied for inclusion in UNESCO's "Memory of the World Register": Kyodo News quoted from Enjoji Temple)
In addition, the report stated that, Zengshang Temple The Three Tripitakas are the collective name for the three editions of the Buddhist classic Tripitaka, totaling about 12,000 copies. Specifically, they are folded volumes and albums that record Buddhist scriptures. It is said that it is very rare in the world to have three editions in one place. All collected and donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu .
These three editions were made on wooden boards in China and Korea from the 12th to 13th centuries and printed from the 13th to 15th centuries. Considered the foundation of Buddhist studies, Zojoji Temple emphasizes that “it is also the crystallization of East Asian movable type culture and printing technology.”
The "Memory of the World Register" encountered Japan's opposition to the inclusion of materials related to the "Nanjing Massacre" in 2015. The application of the "Comfort Women" materials was also postponed due to Japan's strong opposition to determine whether to be included in the list. In 2017 New reviews were later frozen. UNESCO finalized the new system in April 2021. If the relevant countries have objections, the heritage will not be included until a consensus is reached. This will be the first review under the new system, and it is expected to decide whether to include it in 2023.
Regarding the history of the Nanjing Massacre, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated many times that the Nanjing Massacre was a brutal crime committed by Japanese militarism during the war of aggression against China. There is irrefutable evidence, and the international community has long concluded this. The attempt by a handful of people in Japan to obliterate, cover up, and distort this period of history is a blatant challenge to international justice and human conscience. It is in line with the wrong actions of Japanese leaders to reverse history and should arouse high vigilance from the international community. China solemnly urges Japan to face up to and deeply reflect on its history of aggression, properly handle relevant historical issues with a responsible attitude, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with practical actions.
