KYOTO -- Despite the torturous experiences he underwent during his 31/2 years as a U.S. prisoner of war in World War II, Lester Tenney says he does not dislike the Japanese people.

He even has a Japanese friend who stayed at his house in San Diego 32 years ago. The two are so close, Tenney calls him his "Japanese son."

"How can you hate people you don't know? I hate those who beat me and those who tortured me, but they are long dead by now," Lester said in an interview. "And if you hate, it will eat you up inside. I've learned to forgive, because by forgiving, it releases something in here," he added, placing his hand over his heart.