Japanese war criminal confession reveals murder of 172 Chinese

Japanese World War II officer Torao Yoshifusa's written confession, published on Wednesday, reveals the murder of at least 172 Chinese.

According to the original document, available on the State Archives Administration (SAA) website, the Japanese army killed at least 172 Chinese civilians in Ji'an, Linjiang and Tonghua from June to October in 1932.

Approximately 10 people were killed in a village between Ji'an and Tonghua by machine gun fire from Japanese soldiers, who knew the targets were civilians, according to the document.

A majority were killed by the Japanese army, who claimed the victims were collaborating with the Anti-Japanese Army, according to the confession.

The confession also stated invading Japanese artillery opened fire on civilians who were taking refugee outside the west gate of Ji'an.

Yoshifusa served as captain of Dalian Military Police and lieutenant of Kanto Military Police Headquarters during Japanese invasion of China.

The document is the latest of 45 Japanese war criminal confessions the SAA plans to publish. The SAA has been issuing one per day since July 3.

The move follows denials of war crimes by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and right-wing politicians.