Unhealed wounds: Anti-Japanese sentiment in post-war China

"101 East investigates why Chinese nationalists have committed violent, sometimes deadly acts against Japanese civilians. September 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War. In the decades since, deep resentment towards Japan has remained among much of the Chinese population, with Beijing maintaining that Tokyo has never fully apologised for its wartime aggression. Social media has further amplified anti-Japanese rhetoric, propelling ultra-nationalist and patriotic narratives in the country."

"In the decades since, deep resentment towards Japan has remained among much of the Chinese population, with Beijing maintaining that Tokyo has never fully apologised for its wartime aggression. Social media has further amplified anti-Japanese rhetoric, propelling ultra-nationalist and patriotic narratives in the country. In some cases, the results have proven deadly. 101 East investigates anti-Japanese sentiment in China and what has driven violent attacks on Japanese citizens."

Deep-rooted anti-Japanese sentiment persists across large segments of the Chinese population, stemming from the legacy of wartime aggression and the belief that Japan has never fully apologised. The 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War in September 2025 intensifies historical memory and national pride. Beijing’s official framing reinforces resentment, while social media amplifies anti-Japanese rhetoric and propels ultra-nationalist and patriotic narratives. Online and offline nationalist mobilization has at times targeted Japanese civilians, and several incidents have escalated into violent, sometimes deadly attacks. The convergence of historical grievance, state messaging, and social-media amplification drives sporadic violence.

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