Japanese Institutions Targeted: Eggs Thrown at Schools, Businesses Harassed in Backlash Following Fukushima Release

31 Aug, 2023

Japanese Institutions Targeted: Eggs Thrown at Schools, Businesses Harassed in Backlash Following Fukushima Release

Tensions between Japan and China have surged following the release of treated radioactive wastewater from Fukushima, sparking online harassment and strained relations. China's heavily censored internet erupted in anger, resulting in a flood of vitriol aimed at Japanese individuals and institutions. Social media videos showed Chinese callers berating Japanese businesses and organizations for releasing wastewater into the ocean. The mayor of Fukushima reported around 200 harassment calls to the city's town hall within two days, with schools, restaurants, and hotels also targeted. Japan's foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador and urged Beijing to prevent escalation.

Japanese institutions in China also faced harassment, with incidents such as eggs thrown at a Japanese school in Suzhou. Japan's embassy advised its citizens to be cautious in public. While Japan sought safety measures for its residents in China, China's response was critical of Japan's wastewater release. China condemned the release and claimed to have received harassment calls from Japanese numbers. The situation sparked debates online, with some advocating a boycott of Japanese products. However, critics noted that the backlash might be politically driven rather than scientifically informed.

The tensions reflect a long history of strained China-Japan relations, including territorial disputes. Similarities were drawn to 2012 when tensions escalated over disputed islands, resulting in anti-Japanese protests in China. The Fukushima issue appears to have triggered pent-up frustrations, potentially straining the relationship once again. Amid these tensions, a planned visit by a Japanese political party leader to China was postponed due to the current situation in bilateral relations.