Evan Kail, the American who donated WWII photos of Japan's invasion to China, announces he has settled in Tianjin. Despite death threats, he received a national gift porcelain and now promotes peace through cultural exchange.
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An American man who donated rare photographs documenting Japan's invasion of China during World War II and received a national gift of porcelain from China has officially announced that he has settled in the country. The man, Evan Kail, has become a beloved figure in China for his efforts to preserve historical memory and promote peace.
On March 15, Evan Kail announced the news on his social media accounts, stating that he has chosen to make his home in Tianjin, a northern Chinese city, according to a report by the Beijing News. His decision to settle in China comes after years of connection with the country, rooted in his act of donating precious historical materials that shed light on the atrocities of the Japanese invading army.
The 37-year-old, who owns a pawn shop in Minnesota, USA, rose to enormous popularity in China after he donated an album containing more than 30 photographs of occupying Japanese soldiers during WWII to the Consulate General of China in Chicago in November 2022. A Jewish-American, Kail's donation was praised for its significant role in preserving historical truth and commemorating the victims of the war.
In recognition of his generous act, the Consulate General of China in Chicago sent him a precious yellow porcelain vase — a national gift porcelain — along with a heartfelt thank-you letter. "History serves as a mirror for the people today and your donation certainly helps inspire everyone with a kind heart to safeguard peace," Consul General Zhao Jian wrote in the letter.
National gift porcelain, crafted by renowned ceramic masters, is a prestigious diplomatic present from China. To date, the country has presented dozens of such exquisite artworks to recipients, mostly foreign leaders including former US presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as international organizations.
Kail revealed that after donating the photographic album, he received death threats from some internet users, forcing him to wear a bulletproof vest and even avoid leaving his home for a period of time. Despite these threats, he emphasized that he has no regrets about donating the album to China, as preserving historical truth and promoting peace is a cause he deeply believes in.
The identities of those who made the threats remain unclear. Undeterred, Kail first visited China in November 2024, embarking on a journey across the country to immerse himself in local culture and share his experiences with his Chinese followers on social media. During this trip, he even tried making Tianjin's iconic pancake rolls, praising the local delicacy enthusiastically.
On a major Chinese social media platform, Kail has amassed 4.7 million followers, and his 151 video clips have garnered more than 50 million likes. His popularity continued to grow when he was invited to attend CCTV's 2025 Spring Festival Gala, where he served as a co-host — wearing a red Tang suit, he made an appearance in the audience and participated in program announcements, further endearing himself to Chinese audiences.
Kail admitted that when he first came to China, he did not plan to stay long. "Later I realised that I had the opportunity to do beneficial things for Sino-US relations and become a role model to enhance cross-cultural understanding," he told the media. "Peace is something that I have devoted my life to," he added earnestly.
"China is my home now. I am really enjoying it. You have welcomed me in with open arms and given me such kindness," Kail said, expressing his affection for his new home. While settling in Tianjin, he still runs his pawn shop in the US through long-distance management, maintaining his ties to his homeland while embracing his new life in China. He has even founded the "Evan Kail Cultural Studio" in Tianjin, aiming to promote peace through cultural exchanges.
Kail's commitment to preserving historical memory did not end with the 2022 donation. In April last year (2025), he donated a Japanese sabre, several additional historical photographs, and a letter written by a Japanese soldier in the 1940s to the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall in eastern Jiangsu province. He purchased these items from a man in the US whose grandfather had seized them as trophies from Japanese soldiers during the Pacific War. The memorial hall awarded Kail a donation certificate in recognition of his noble act.
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Kail stated, "As an American citizen, I feel proud and honored to be a representative of world peace and to participate in building a better future. Through the perspective of history and acts of kindness, I hope these can have a positive impact on global diplomacy and friendship". His journey from a pawn shop owner to a cross-cultural bridge-builder reflects the power of individual actions in promoting peace and understanding between nations.
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Editor: Crystal H
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