韓国

The power of "Japanese Devils" -- a literal translation of the original title "Riben Guizi," a Mandarin-language insult coined by Chinese in the 1930s and '40s -- lies in the calm delivery of its subjects. Matsui wanted to create a historical record about events that have not been elsewhere documented in the Japanese language. Although the men who came forward for interviews all regretted their wartime acts, Matsui asked them to hold back on their emotions and relate their activities in a clear, accurate manner.

Credibility was also an issue. Although some of the interviewees felt highly emotional about the atrocities they had committed, Matsui asked them not to cry in front of the camera. In Japan, those who try to bring such events to light are sometimes dismissed as insane or victims of Chinese brainwashing. So Matsui wanted his interviewees to appear as clear-headed as possible.