'Child, I’m Sorry, RIP': Fatal Stabbing Of 10-Year-Old Japanese Boy Stirs Nationalist Backlash In China

A woman lays a bouquet of flowers outside Shenzhen Japanese School, following the death of a 10-year-old child after being stabbed by an assailant on the way to the school, in Shenzhen, China September 19, 2024. (Reuters)

The tragic stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in China sparks outrage over rising nationalism and anti-Japan sentiment, prompting urgent calls for reflection

The fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in China has ignited outrage and prompted discussions about rising nationalism in the country. The boy, who had a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was attacked on his way to school in Shenzhen last Wednesday.

This incident marked the second knife attack on Japanese children in recent months. Many blame the government for promoting anti-Japan sentiment and fostering a culture of hatred, CNN reported. Chinese authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the attack, labeling it as an “isolated incident.” However, many residents and online commentators see it as a reflection of growing nationalistic propaganda, the US broadcaster said.

‘No good in instilling hatred’

One local resident expressed deep sorrow and anger, saying, “This kind of violence is the result of long-term education of hatred. There’s no good in instilling hatred from a young age.” This tragedy has deeply affected the Japanese community in China. Some major Japanese companies are considering repatriating their employees and families.

Historically, Japan has been a target of Chinese nationalist anger due to its invasion and occupation of China during World War II. Many Chinese people grow up learning about the atrocities committed by Japanese soldiers. Tensions have been exacerbated by territorial disputes and China’s perception of Japan’s alliance with the United States.

The stabbing coincided with the anniversary of Japan’s invasion of northeast China, a day marked by commemorative events. This timing has led to speculation that the attack may have been driven by underlying animosity. A group of Chinese citizens living in Japan issued a statement condemning the attack and called for reflection on the harmful impact of nationalist education in China.

‘Learning from history’

Despite these sentiments, the Chinese government denied the existence of anti-Japan education. “We advocate learning from history to prevent the tragedy of war,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was quoted as saying by CNN. However, several reports suggest that China has seen a surge in nationalistic rhetoric online, often targeting Japan.

Online content fanning anti-Japan sentiment has become increasingly common, sometimes encouraged by state media. This has led to calls for the closure of Japanese schools in China, with some alleging they are fronts for espionage. A recent analysis revealed that hundreds of videos spreading hostility towards these schools have gone viral, prompting platform Kuaishou to suspend accounts promoting such content.

Concerns are growing about the effects of this online hatred on Chinese youth. A teaching assistant in Shanghai noted that young children are starting to view Japanese people as villains, often influenced by online media and family attitudes. Meanwhile, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa urged China to address anti-Japan posts online and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals. Kamikawa described the hateful rhetoric as “groundless” and unacceptable.

In a meeting with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, she called for immediate action to protect Japanese citizens. Wang promised to safeguard the welfare of all foreigners and advised Japan to remain calm to prevent escalation. In the aftermath of the boy’s killing, the Japanese school in Shenzhen received an outpouring of support, with over 1,000 bouquets sent from across the region. Many tributes included messages of apology and hope for peace. “Child, I’m sorry. Please rest in peace,” read one note from a mother in Shenzhen.