The brutal massacre of Nanking occurred in 1937 by Japanese forces and killed civilians, men women and children. Women were raped and tortured, and Chinese men had to bury each other alive. Considering the Nanking massacre apologies rendered towards the Chinese government and civilians after 1945 from for instance prime ministers of Japan but dissatisfaction has been expressed by the Chinese government and occurred by protests all over China. At the same time as apologies have been rendered towards the Chinese government and civilians, denial of the Nanking massacre has been shown in different scenarios and forms that have made the relationship between the two states, China and Japan increasingly strained and denials of the massacre has been shown in different ways. A qualitative content analysis combined with a case study of the increasingly strained relationship and denials will be the methods for this essay to find reasons, happenings and statements. From the perspective of classical realism, this essay discovers that economic growth, a feeling of seclusion in Japan and threats regarding power and growth in Asia both military and of growth at markets combined with a shifting strategy from the statesman, Xi Jinping could be reasons for Japan to make up denials of the massacre of Nanking and also reasons for the increasingly strained relationship.