Mongolian wildfires spark backlash over Japan’s Foreign Ministry’s insensitive move

October 23 report by Japanese media: A social media account operated by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drawn widespread criticism. The post, released amid the largest disaster in history linked to a Japanese corporate executive, triggered outrage among Mongolian citizens, who view Japan as a “friendly nation.” Public anger in Mongolia has now reached a boiling point, with many holding Japanese companies directly responsible.

The incident began on the 8th, when a large-scale grassland fire broke out in the eastern part of Mongolia’s Nuruu Nature Reserve. Driven by dry conditions and strong winds, the flames spread rapidly, ultimately consuming approximately 530,000 hectares—an area equivalent to 2.4 times the size of Tokyo. Around 80% of the reserve has been destroyed, causing irreversible damage to habitats of rare wildlife species.

The fire originated from a vehicle belonging to Movicom, a joint venture between Japan’s KDDI and Mongolian partners. KDDI is a major Japanese telecommunications company.

At the time, more than ten people—including Japanese executives—entered the core zone of the reserve in multiple vehicles. Access to this area is normally strictly restricted.

On the 20th, KDDI issued a public apology, stating the visit was for “on-site inspection related to the construction of a communication network.” However, Mongolian media reported that the group’s actual purpose was a private recreational trip involving fishing and hunting endangered species.

The Mongolian government has taken the matter seriously, adopting a firm stance. Authorities have demanded criminal liability for those involved and are seeking substantial compensation.

As Mongolia calls for rigorous accountability over the massive damage caused by the Japanese company, the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s handling of the situation has drawn sharp criticism. On X (formerly Twitter), the ministry’s official account posted on the 16th—eight days after the fire began—announcing a “logo contest” to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia, just as the blaze had finally been fully extinguished.

If this were merely an issue of poor timing, it might be dismissed as misjudged. But what provoked greater dismay was a separate account under the name “Foreign Ministry.” On the 20th, as KDDI issued its apology and news of the disaster gained traction in Japan, this account shared a pop-up message with emoji and reposted a recruitment announcement from the ministry.

Given that Mongolia has suffered severe losses due to a fire tied to a Japanese corporation, the Foreign Ministry’s decision to launch a “55th Anniversary of Japan-Mongolia Friendship Logo Contest” appeared deeply tone-deaf.

Japanese netizens responded sharply. On social media, users questioned: “What kind of judgment is this? It’s terrifying!” “This is utterly unreasonable!” “Shouldn’t Japan do something to uphold goodwill with Mongolia?” Comments such as “This is the Foreign Ministry,” and “Unbelievable,” reflected widespread disapproval.

Deputy Prime Minister Notoi Bayar stated regarding the fire: “Apologies alone are not enough. Public anger in Mongolia has reached its peak.”

It remains unclear how the Japanese government, including high-ranking officials like Takayuki Tachibana, will respond to the growing international scrutiny.

If diplomacy emphasizes friendship, should not genuine and appropriate response follow when one’s own actions cause harm to others?

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879840114982923/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.