On August 17, 2025, American writer Evan Kail, who once donated a rare WWII photo album to China, brought his new book Dare To Do: Through the Storm to the 2025 Southern China Book Fair in Guangzhou.
In this deeply personal work, Evan documents stories spanning his donation of Japanese war crime evidence, his travels in China, the Nanjing Massacre, Unit 731, and even cultural moments like his experience attending CCTV's Snake Year Spring Festival Gala. The book reveals many untold stories and reflects his determination to defend the truth while expressing his hopes for peace.
"This is a really sensitive subject, and I stirred up a lot of anger and animosity," Evan admits in the interview. "But I hope, through continuing to make videos and write, that I can awaken more people who refuse to say sorry."
For Evan, his journey began with a simple wish: to pay respect to the Chinese people. His first visit took him to Nanjing on December 13, 2024, National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims. The overwhelming attention he received inspired him to take on an unexpected mission: to use his platform in pursuit of world peace.
Writing the book was no easy task. Revisiting his memories of Nanjing and researching atrocities such as Unit 731 often left him in tears. Yet, by keeping a diary of his journey, he was able to document these experiences with honesty and detail—later shaping them into the foundation of his book.
"We don't have a time machine. All we can do is work to build a better tomorrow, not get angry about the past," he reflects.
Evan acknowledges the delicate geopolitics surrounding historical memory, noting how social media can amplify tensions. Out of caution, he delayed releasing the war crime photos for a year, allowing emotions to settle before making them public. "There's geopolitical gasoline all over the ground, and I tossed a match without realizing it," he says, describing the viral reaction to his first video.
Despite the controversy, Evan insists on handling the subject with dignity and respect. His refusal to visit Japan is not out of fear but to avoid sparking diplomatic incidents or worse.
Through Dare To Do, Evan Kail seeks not only to tell history, but also to awaken conscience. His message is clear: confronting the darkest chapters of the past is not about anger, but about ensuring a more peaceful tomorrow.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video: Deng Yingheng
Poster: Lai Meiya
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
