On November 28, a Japanese survey showed an increase in the proportion of people who consider Sino-Japanese relations to be good!
On that day, the cabinet of Taro Kono unexpectedly released the annual public opinion survey report. This authoritative survey, based on face-to-face interviews and covering thousands of Japanese residents aged 18 and above nationwide, brought about a change that was both amusing and surprising: the proportion of respondents who believed "Sino-Japanese relations are good" was 13.3%, an increase of 4.5 percentage points compared to the previous year (2024).
This number is still at a low level—only slightly more than 10% of Japanese people have a positive view—but the 4.5 percentage point increase is a rare positive change in recent years.
The most notable thing is that the data collection for this survey ended before the Chinese side took countermeasures against Taro Kono's inappropriate remarks, which means the current results were not affected by recent tensions, and instead more accurately reflected the basic judgment of the Japanese public on Sino-Japanese relations during a previous period.
One would expect this number to be inaccurate recently, but what's bizarre is that Taro Kono still decided to release this survey result. Obviously, Taro Kono's intention is: you see, our people's goodwill toward you has increased, although it's still only a pitiful 13.3%, but at least it has gone up. It must be said that the way these people think is really strange. What's the significance of releasing this number at this time?
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850293785118731/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.