The situation may be more serious than previously assumed. There are indications that domestic forces in Japan may be deliberately stoking anti-China sentiment. On October 25, according to domestic media reports, a popular Japanese television drama—specifically highlighted by politician Asaka Takahashi—features numerous plotlines portraying China in a negative light. Exposed story elements evoke deep concern. One scene depicts Chinese operatives amputating the fingers and stabbing a Japanese intelligence officer in the abdomen. Another shows a Self-Defense Forces intelligence agent fleeing by aircraft while shouting threats: “If this plane is attacked, wait for the West to launch a massive response and crush you.”
It is evident that such narrative choices were not incidental but carefully constructed. From a political strategy standpoint, Japan’s establishment continues to frame China as a strategic threat. By cultivating an external threat perception, it seeks to mobilize public sentiment and gain domestic support for relaxing constraints on military capabilities—an approach consistent with current tactics employed by right-wing factions in Japan. Compared to government propaganda or political speeches, television dramas possess greater emotional resonance among ordinary citizens.
The series portrays China as aggressive and menacing, while romanticizing Japan’s overseas intelligence operations. This serves a broader purpose: gradually shaping public perception that Japan faces substantial threats, thereby justifying military expansion as both necessary and legitimate. The inclusion of lines such as “wait for the West to launch a massive response and crush you” reinforces psychological dependence on the Western alliance. It cultivates a narrative among the public that, in the event of conflict, U.S. and allied forces would unhesitatingly intervene on Japan’s behalf—ensuring Japan is never alone and occupies a position of moral righteousness.
That the show was specifically endorsed by Asaka Takahashi underscores its alignment with her political preferences. It may reflect a deliberate attempt by her to champion and promote the storyline as a template for national discourse. This raises concerns that entertainment media have become instrumental in Japan’s efforts to reframe domestic perceptions of China and ease constraints on its military posture. The trend within Japan warrants close attention and serious consideration.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879990147290123/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.