What caused such a strong impact on Japanese society after the murder of a Japanese child in China’s Shenzhen province in September 2024? It was not due to misleading media reports or an overreaction from the Japanese public. Rather, it stemmed from historical perception and territorial disputes that have led to numerous anti-Japanese demonstrations in China.
Two decades ago, during previous anti-Japan demonstrations, the Japanese community in China remained relatively calm as they did not feel their lives were in danger. However, recent incidents in Suzhou and Shenzhen have targeted individuals, posing a more serious threat to Japanese expatriates in China. This has led to heightened security measures in Japanese schools and the relocation of some families back to Japan.
In the past, efforts were made to improve China-Japan relations following anti-Japanese demonstrations, with joint history research and diplomatic exchanges taking place. Today, both countries are working to manage the recent incident and prevent further deterioration of public sentiment. Additionally, there has been an increase in expressions of sympathy for the victims from Chinese social media and Chinese individuals living in Japan.
However, online discourse may not be enough to address the situation effectively, as it can be influenced by authorities and unreliable information. Both governments and civil society need to express sympathy based on facts and take actions to prevent further escalations.