Some Japanese historians maintain that the toll was less or deny the massacre, saying the dead were soldiers, not civilians.

The savviest Japanese historians manipulate this national trait to their advantage.

Also thanks to the work of Japanese historians, we now know much more about Japanese plans in the summer of 1945.

And not in the judgment of other modern Japanese historians.

Before the diary was found, Japanese historians believed that the emperor had at least contemplated abdication.

A group of Japanese historians and civil activists think otherwise.

Some Japanese historians say these figures are vastly exaggerated.

The Japanese historian smiled faintly through the fatigue that paled his face.

"I find it hard to believe that he is correct given the evidence uncovered by Japanese historians and the testimony of the comfort women."

Estimates from Japanese historians vary widely, in the vicinity of 40,000-200,000.