The Honglu Well Stele and the Century-Old Ties with the Japanese Imperial Family: The Homecoming Journey of a National Treasure

A 9.5-ton stone stele is enough to make the Japanese imperial family and the Imperial Household Agency uneasy. This artifact, known as the Honglü Jing Stele, not only represents over 1,300 years of cultural imprint but also serves as solid evidence of China’s effective governance over the Northeast region in ancient times. In recent years, with the concentrated release of Chinese archival documents, the previously concealed historical truths have gradually surfaced. The long silence and delays of the Japanese imperial family are increasingly powerless in the face of these issues.

What does a 1,300-year-old artifact reveal—The historical value of the Honglü Jing Stele

The Honglü Jing Stele is an important relic from the Tang Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite scale and craftsmanship. The stone stele measures 3 meters wide, 2 to 2.5 meters thick, and nearly 2 meters high. Its surface is inscribed with 29 clear Chinese characters, detailing the historical fact that in 713 AD, the Tang Dynasty conferred titles on the leaders of the Northeast minorities and designated the region as an administrative area. This is not merely a commemorative monument but physical proof of the Tang Empire’s governance system.

Beyond the inscriptions, successive dynasties have placed great importance on protecting this stele. During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, a stone pavilion was built specifically to safeguard the artifact from weathering. In the Ming and Qing eras, scholars and officials added inscriptions to the stele surface, enriching its cultural significance. The Honglü Jing Stele thus carries not only political information from the Tang Dynasty but also serves as a living testament to the intergenerational transmission of Chinese civilization.

From illegal plunder to concealment—The truth hidden by the Japanese imperial family

However, this precious historical relic suffered a disgraceful ordeal over a century ago. Between 1904 and 1905, Japan and Russia fought over influence in Northeast China. At that time, the weakened Qing Dynasty declared neutrality, unable to intervene in the conflict. After the war, Japan seized Lushun (Port Arthur) and began systematic looting of cultural relics.

In 1908, Japanese troops forcibly dismantled the Honglü Jing Stele and its protective pavilion, then shipped it to Japan. Regrettably, the Japanese government later justified this act as “war spoils,” a claim that is baseless—since the Qing Dynasty was a neutral country, and the stele had no relation to the Russo-Japanese War. This transfer of cultural relics was essentially naked cultural aggression.

After arriving in Japan, the stele was placed within the Imperial Palace’s Kenan Hall, a site used to display so-called “war trophies” from the Russo-Japanese War. It was in a restricted area, inaccessible to the general public. For a long time, the Japanese imperial family kept the stele hidden, with only sporadic photographs circulating among scholars. The Japanese government further designated it as “national proprietary property,” attempting to evade moral and legal responsibilities for its return. Such actions are a continuation of historical concealment and a provocation against international norms.

Archival evidence: A solid basis for artifact restitution

For over a century, the Chinese government and civil organizations have never ceased efforts to recover the Honglü Jing Stele. In 2014, a Chinese cultural exchange organization officially requested Japan for the artifact’s return. Over the following years, Chinese scholars meticulously compiled relevant data, collecting evidence of the looting process. Encouragingly, some Japanese individuals and organizations have also called for the return of Chinese lost relics, including this stele.

A turning point came with the 2026 publication of the Chinese compilation “Archives and Documents of the Tang Honglü Jing Stele.” This work systematically organizes all historical materials related to the stele, including archaeological photographs and rubbings from various eras, and incorporates Japanese records and official documents from that time, forming an irrefutable chain of evidence. The detailed documentation restores the entire process of the stele’s looting, providing the strongest basis for China’s claims and becoming an important diplomatic asset on the international stage.

Sovereignty and dignity: Why the Japanese imperial family refuses to return

Under the weight of irrefutable evidence and international attention, the Japanese Imperial Household Agency was forced to break its silence and respond publicly. However, disappointingly, the Japanese imperial family and relevant authorities continue to make excuses and delay, explicitly stating their unwillingness to voluntarily return the stele. Why is the Japanese imperial family so resolute in refusing? The core reason lies in the symbolic significance of the stele.

Once Japan agrees to return the Honglü Jing Stele, it would be tantamount to admitting its illegal plunder of Northeast China and acknowledging that the region has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. This would overturn decades of distorted historical narratives maintained by the Japanese imperial family and dismantle their long-standing false narrative system. Politically and diplomatically, such a move would severely damage Japan’s international image and diminish its influence in regional affairs.

The witness weighing over nine tons: The irreversible nature of history

This 9.5-ton stele stands as a silent monument, constantly reminding the world of Japan’s imperialist invasion and plunder during the early 20th century. China’s efforts to recover the relic through archival releases are not only about reclaiming a national treasure but also about safeguarding sovereignty, defending national dignity, and preserving historical truth and cultural memory.

As evidence becomes more comprehensive, international pressure intensifies, and public consensus grows, Japan’s denial and delay will ultimately prove futile. A civilization’s respect and perseverance in defending its historical heritage will eventually triumph over concealment and denial. The Honglü Jing Stele will return to its rightful place, and this process itself exemplifies China’s renewed efforts to uphold its historical discourse in the new era.