Warning of Possible Public Opinion Division Within Japan
Street view of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Not related to the article. Photo by Yonhap News.
Evidence of China's organized public opinion manipulation through social networking services (SNS) is emerging in Japan as well. Previously, concrete signs of organized comment manipulation originating from China were revealed on Korean portals such as Naver.
On the 4th, Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported that since last year, fake videos urging the independence of Okinawa have been posted and continuously spreading on X (formerly Twitter). In a video with subtitles stating "Ryukyu (the former name of Okinawa) belongs to China, not Japan," high school students living in Okinawa are shown singing the Chinese national anthem. The video is a fake compilation of several clips. However, it gained popularity with over 7 million likes on X alone.
Nikkei analyzed the spread of the video together with an Israeli AI analysis company. As a result, it was confirmed that a large number of "information manipulation accounts" were involved in the dissemination of the video. The video spread mainly through three accounts using the phrase "Ryukyu (Okinawa) belongs to China," and it was also confirmed that about 200 manipulated accounts were mobilized.
According to the report, these accounts repeatedly posted the fake video to spread it. They actively refuted comments expressing opposition and provoked debates, thereby fueling further controversy. It was also revealed that about 20% of the accounts were created just before May last year, when the video was posted. Nikkei pointed out that "it can be seen as an organized plan by a specific force."
Experts believe that the background of the spread of this fake news is related to remarks made last year by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who emphasized the connection between Okinawa during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, which existed until the 19th century before being incorporated into Japan, and China.
Although the fake news appears to be mainly targeted at the Chinese-speaking world, as indicated by Chinese subtitles, experts warn that such manipulation could also lead to public opinion division within Japan. Professor Maiko Ichihara of Hitotsubashi University told Nikkei, "Although the video is clearly fake, it may influence viewers to associate Okinawa with China. There is a sufficient possibility that it could fuel public opinion division in Japan."
The Okinawa Prefectural Government stated, "It is a common understanding among Japan, China, and the international community that Okinawa Prefecture is currently one of Japan's local governments." The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Since the source of the fake video is unclear, we cannot comment, but we understand that Japan and the international community are paying attention to the Ryukyu issue and that various people are presenting different opinions. China's position remains consistent."
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