Revised edition of John Rabe's Diaries was released in Nanjing on Sept 7.

The revised edition of John Rabe's Diaries was released in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Sept 7 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and to honor John Rabe.

In 1937, during the Nanjing Massacre carried out by Japanese invading forces, John Rabe, who was managing Siemens' Nanjing office at the time, along with other international residents in China, established the "Nanjing Safety Zone", saving over 250,000 Chinese lives. During this period, he documented the atrocities he witnessed, especially within the safety zone, in his wartime diaries (from Sept 19, 1937, to Feb 26, 1938). These diaries, later known as John Rabe's Diaries, serve as an important historical resource. Sealed and kept in Berlin for six decades, they only reemerged when the Chinese edition was first published worldwide in 1997, offering one of the most detailed and well-preserved accounts of the Nanjing Massacre available to scholars and the public.

Translator Liu Haining offered valuable insights from the meticulous revision process, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and integrity in portraying historical events. He said that Rabe's extensive 30-year residence in China fostered a deep emotional connection with the Chinese people, which enriched his understanding and dedication to authentic representation. Rabe's diaries serve not only to carefully document the atrocities committed by the Japanese army but also highlight his enduring humanitarian spirit and unwavering sense of justice. Liu emphasized that the revision aims to uphold the highest standards of linguistic precision and historical fidelity, reflecting a strong commitment to both the integrity of history and its readers.

"I Never Stop Shouting—Rabe and John Rabe's Diaries and the Nanjing Safety Zone" exhibition takes place at Puyue Academy in Nanjing between Sept 9 and Oct 8.

The revised edition presents a thorough and updated version of the original translation, reflecting many years of dedicated research and on-site exploration. This comprehensive update enriches the reader's experience with the inclusion of a wealth of historical photographs and nearly 500 new annotations, offering readers a more accurate, engaging, and informative understanding of the subject matter.

The ongoing "I Never Stop Shouting—Rabe and John Rabe's Diaries and the Nanjing Safety Zone" exhibition at Puyue Academy in Nanjing draws on the original text of John Rabe's Diaries, using "memory, connection, and peace" as keywords to provide a holistic and multidimensional portrayal of Rabe's life and deeds. The exhibition will run until Oct 8.