Where monkeys were actually used, it was common practice to identify the type. Thus, it was an open secret that the simple and un-scientific use of the term “monkey” by itself was a code which meant that the subjects were humans. The medical community knew this. The journal knew this. The readiness with which Kitano publicized this transparent sham—and its acceptance by Japan’s medical community at large—is a sad testament to the lack of conflict between the ethical standards of the medical world in Japan and those of Unit 731.
