Why Are Japanese Citizens Being Repeatedly Attacked in China?

by Mehmet Emin Hazret

On July 31, 2025, a Japanese mother and her child were attacked at a metro station in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The assailant, wielding a stone-like object, targeted the mother and child. The mother was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Fortunately, the child was unharmed.

The attack took place shortly after they exited the train and were heading toward a restroom. According to sources, the victim is the mother of a student attending the Suzhou Japanese School.

Following the incident, the Japanese Consulate General in Shanghai issued a statement. The Japanese government urged China to prevent such attacks from recurring and demanded stronger protection for Japanese citizens residing in the country.

Local police reported on August 1 that a male suspect had been apprehended. The Japanese government has requested that China impose a severe punishment in accordance with the law and take concrete steps to eliminate threats against its citizens.

This is not the first such attack against Japanese nationals in China within the past year.

In June 2024, a Japanese school bus in Suzhou was attacked by a knife-wielding man. A Japanese mother and her child were injured, and a Chinese female guide, Hu Youping, was fatally stabbed while trying to protect them. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences, and the flag at the Japanese Embassy in China was flown at half-mast.

Just three months later, in September 2024, another tragic event occurred in Shenzhen. A 10-year-old Japanese boy was stabbed to death on his way to school with his family. The perpetrators in both incidents were tried, sentenced to death, and executed.

Still, many questions remain unanswered — particularly whether these victims were targeted simply because they were Japanese.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In recognition of this, nationwide commemorations have been held, including the broadcast of anti-Japanese war dramas and films. One of these films focused on the Nanjing Massacre committed by former Japanese soldiers. Experts warn that such media could further inflame anti-Japanese sentiment in society.

At the end of July, the Japanese Embassy in China issued a special advisory to Japanese residents. It urged caution during the July-to-September period, warning of a potentially hostile atmosphere due to ongoing war-themed events. The embassy recommended that Japanese nationals stay alert in public, avoid traveling alone, and, especially when accompanied by children, move in groups whenever possible.

Security concerns among the Japanese community in China continue to grow with each passing day.