Japanese spy drama fuels remilitarization concerns, experts warn

Japanese spy drama VIVANT has sparked backlash in China over scenes accused of distorting wartime history. Experts warn that such narratives could fuel anti-China sentiment and strengthen support for Japan's remilitarization.

The series depicts Chinese intelligence agents using torture methods reminiscent of those employed by Japan's invading forces during World War II, drawing criticism for vilifying China and glorifying Japanese operatives.

The controversy has also drawn attention in Japan. Japanese writer Masahiro Yamazaki questioned the production as promoting hostility toward China in line with Japan's national policy.

Sanrio, the Japanese character company behind Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and My Melody, announced on Wednesday that it was ending its collaboration with the series. The company said the related content does not align with its corporate philosophy.

Whitewashing wartime aggression

Experts say the controversy raises broader questions about how entertainment shapes public views of China and Japan's wartime history.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Cao Weidong, a former researcher at the Naval Military Academic Research Institute, said that the drama's portrayal of China showed Japan's failure to properly acknowledge its history of aggression.

Cao linked such portrayals to attempts to whitewash Japan's past aggression and crimes it committed against other countries. By presenting aggression as a supposedly just undertaking, these tendencies risk taking Japan back down a dangerous historical path.

Building support for military expansion

Su Xiaohui, director of the Department for Developing Countries Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told CMG that such narratives could help justify changes in Japan's security policy.

Su pointed to earlier remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about possible military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. Portraying changes in Japan's surrounding security environment as threats helps justify stronger military and security measures, she added.

In Su's assessment, these narratives serve both domestic and external objectives. At home, they can make the public more accepting of military expansion and weaken opposition.

Abroad, portraying Japan as a defender of peace or a victim while targeting China could help strengthen military ties with the United States.

China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the international community and people of insight in Japan to stay alert to forces in Japan seeking to smear China through cultural products and spread anti-China sentiment.