A Japanese boy was fatally stabbed on his way to school in China on September 18, a date historically significant as it marks the anniversary of Japan's invasion of China in 1931. The 10-year-old boy was pronounced dead the following morning, prompting police to arrest a 44-year-old man at the scene who reportedly confessed to the attack. In response, Japan's leaders sought clarification from the Chinese government, which characterized the incident as isolated and urged Japan to refrain from politicizing the tragedy.
Following the boy's death, some Chinese citizens expressed concerns that he had fallen victim to rising anti-Japanese sentiment, which they believe is exacerbated by the Chinese government's promotion of nationalism through education, media, and online platforms. On the evening of the boy's death, over 50 Chinese individuals attended a candlelight vigil in Tokyo, issuing a statement denouncing the extreme nationalism and anti-Japanese education in China, which they believe misrepresents Japan and fosters hostility.
In the days after the incident, young activists, primarily based in China, initiated a memorial campaign, drawing on a Chinese cultural belief that the souls of the deceased return to visit their families seven days after death. The campaign's participants, numbering over 200, stated their desire to live in a society devoid of hatred and emphasized the need to speak out against xenophobic ideologies.
The growing xenophobic indoctrination in China has raised alarms among various citizens, even those living abroad, who expressed their outrage and took action to honor the boy's memory. In defiance of potential government backlash, they laid flowers at the boy's school in Shenzhen and conducted memorial services, while also co-signing statements in their real names. These actions were viewed as courageous amidst a political climate that discourages public dissent.
Despite fears of official retaliation, some Chinese individuals spoke about the challenges of voicing dissent in a state that tightly controls speech. Reports surfaced of individuals being interrogated by state security for their involvement in memorial efforts, indicating the government’s focus on suppressing public outcry rather than engaging with the tragedy itself. Moreover, anti-Japanese sentiment is prevalent in Chinese media, and some platforms have faced scrutiny for facilitating hate speech.
The broader societal implications of the boy's death highlight the constraints placed on free expression within China, posing challenges to individuals who seek to contest the dominant nationalist narrative. The fear of backlash often stifles discussions around sensitive topics, leaving many feeling compelled to remain silent amidst a culture that vilifies dissent. A poignant letter from the boy's father circulated on Chinese social media, expressing a desire for peace and reconciliation between the two nations and underscoring a universal wish that such tragedies do not recur. However, the letter was swiftly removed from public view, indicating the extent of governmental censorship in sensitive matters.