noun
Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
Historical Japanese term for the war; now considered sensitive due to the derogatory connotations of 支那. Modern neutral term is 日中戦争.
See also: 日中戦争
支那事変は1937年に始まったとされる。
The Second Sino-Japanese War is said to have begun in 1937.
Modern, neutral term for the same conflict. 支那事変 is the older, now sensitive designation.
Compound of 支那 (Shina, an old name for China, now considered derogatory) and 事変 (incident/war). The term was used by Japan during the war and is now historical and sensitive.