According to Japanese local media reports on October 17, former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama passed away that day at the age of 101. On May 24, 1998, Murayama and his wife visited a memorial hall and laid a wreath in memory of the Nanjing Massacre victims. Murayama stated that day, "Historically, Japan launched a war of aggression, bringing immense disaster to China and other Asian countries. The Nanjing Massacre was truly horrific. We must face history squarely!"