Hayao Miyazaki, "Japan should not forget the massacre of civilians."

Director Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese animation master, said in his acceptance speech for this year's Magsaysay Award that the Japanese should not forget that they slaughtered civilians in the Philippines during the Pacific War.

Director Miyazaki mentioned the atrocities committed by Japanese imperialism in a message read by Kenichi Yoda, director of Studio Ghibli, at the Magsaysay Awards held in Manila, Philippines on the 16th.

Miyazaki said, "The Japanese did something cruel during the war. Killed a lot of civilians. The Japanese should not forget this. It's still there," he said.

"In the midst of such a history, I solemnly accept that I will receive the Magsaysay Award in the Philippines," he said.

Miyazaki has criticized the Japanese government for being passive in reflecting on its past history, saying in the past that Japan should apologize for the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery problem.

The Magsaysay Award, established in honor of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a plane crash in 1957, is given to a person or organization who has contributed to the promotion of peace and human rights in Asia.

So far, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, have won awards.The

Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation has selected four individuals, including director Miyazaki, and one organization as this year's winners.

Regarding Miyazaki's selection as the winner, the foundation said, "Not only is the work commercially successful, but we urge reflection and consideration to those who express a deep understanding of humans. We understand issues such as environmental protection, peace, and women's rights to children through art."

In response to Miyazaki's message, the foundation said, "It made me think about the importance of facing and remembering the past history for the better future of both countries," the Asahi Shimbun said.