Rising Anti-Japanese Sentiment in China... Japanese Embassy Notices "Do Not Speak Loudly in Japanese"

Rising Anti-Japanese Sentiment in China Due to Contaminated Water Discharge
"Do Not Speak Japanese Loudly When Going Out" Behavioral Guidelines Issued

Amid rising anti-Japanese sentiment in China due to the discharge of contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, the Japanese Embassy in China has urged its nationals in China to exercise caution.

On the 25th, the Japanese Embassy in China posted a notice on its Japanese-language website, informing Japanese nationals in China to "be vigilant as unexpected incidents may occur."

Notice issued by the Embassy of Japan in China. (Photo by Embassy of Japan in China website)

It further advised, "When going out, act cautiously by not speaking Japanese loudly unnecessarily," and also requested that "if it is necessary to visit the embassy, carefully observe the surroundings of the embassy."

This appears to be a precautionary measure in response to the heightened anti-Japanese sentiment in China and the possibility of unforeseen safety issues.

Regarding Japan's start of contaminated water discharge on the 24th, China has strongly criticized the move and imposed a complete ban on imports of Japanese seafood products. Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized at a briefing the previous day, stating, "Japan's discharge of contaminated water is a selfish and irresponsible act."

Voices of condemnation are also rising within China. Some netizens, mainly on social networking services (SNS), are showing movements to boycott Japanese products, with anti-Japanese sentiment intensifying in China triggered by the contaminated water discharge.