"Backpack With 45 Million Won in Cash Snatched on Osaka Street"... China Urges Nationals to Avoid Visiting Japan

"Chinese National Robbed of Backpack Containing 5 Million Yen in Cash"
China Repeatedly Urges Nationals to Refrain From Visiting Japan

A Chinese national in Osaka, Japan, was robbed of a backpack containing a large amount of cash. In response, the local Chinese diplomatic mission once again urged Chinese nationals to refrain from visiting Japan.

On the 26th, the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka announced on its website that "on the 25th, on a street in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, a Chinese citizen was attacked by an unidentified individual and had a backpack containing 5 million yen (about 45.75 million won) in cash stolen," adding that "the suspect is on the run."

Glico sign in Dotonbori, Osaka. Glico homepage

The consulate-general went on to say, "We immediately lodged a representation with the local police" (a term China uses to refer to a protest made through diplomatic channels), and "We demanded that the Japanese side resolve the case as quickly as possible and effectively protect the safety of the lives and property of Chinese citizens residing in Japan."

It also once again called on its nationals to avoid visiting Japan. The consulate-general stated, "Public security in Japan has recently been unstable, and similar incidents have been occurring frequently," and added, "The Consulate-General in Osaka reiterates that Chinese citizens should avoid visiting Japan in the near future." In addition, it urged Chinese nationals in its local consular district to closely monitor the public security situation, to avoid going out while carrying large amounts of cash, and to immediately report to the police in the event of an emergency.

Since Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned the possibility of Japanese involvement "in the event of a Taiwan contingency" last year, straining China-Japan relations, the Chinese authorities have continued to advise their nationals to refrain from visiting Japan, citing safety concerns. On the 26th of last month, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on people to avoid traveling to Japan during the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) holiday period, citing concerns over public security and earthquakes in Japan.

Chinese nationals have continued to fall victim to crime as well. On the 29th of last month, Chinese citizens in Tokyo had their travel bags stolen by a three-member robbery gang, and on the 18th, a tourist from Hong Kong visiting Sapporo in Hokkaido was assaulted by a Japanese man. Following these incidents, the Chinese Embassy in Japan repeatedly asked its nationals to refrain from visiting Japan, citing safety concerns.