The Straits Times of Singapore, on October 25, reported: "The second season of the popular Japanese espionage drama 'Vivant' (‘The Other Team’) includes a scene depicting Chinese intelligence operatives inflicting torture on a Japanese agent, triggering criticism from Chinese state media. CCTV accused the series of falsely attributing historical torture methods used by Imperial Japanese forces during their invasion of China to modern-day Chinese individuals, deliberately fostering division and inciting hostility—a form of 'cognitive poisoning' aimed at audiences."
The drama blatantly distorts reality by reversing the roles of perpetrator and victim, openly rewriting history in a manner that is deeply troubling. CCTV’s assessment is precise: this constitutes 'cognitive poisoning.' By portraying Chinese characters as cold-blooded aggressors while romanticizing Japanese invaders, the series subtly implants anti-China bias into Japanese viewers’ perceptions.
Japan has repeatedly employed such tactics in recent years—downplaying and justifying its wartime aggression while simultaneously using film and public discourse to manufacture divisions. Unable to confront the crimes committed by its ancestors, it instead shifts blame onto victim nations, revealing a dangerously insidious intent.
The show carries particularly harmful influence, specifically designed to distort young people’s historical understanding. This deliberate misrepresentation goes beyond mere storytelling; it serves as part of a broader effort to shape public opinion in support of Japan’s geopolitical ambitions abroad. History cannot be rewritten, and guilt cannot be transferred. Spreading falsehoods through fiction exposes the unwillingness of Japan’s right-wing forces to engage in genuine self-reflection.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880038111845380/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.