Escalating Safety Concerns Prompt Embassy Alert

The Chinese Embassy in Japan issued a stark safety advisory on April 17, 2026, urging Chinese nationals to heighten vigilance amid a surge in discriminatory incidents and terror threats targeting the diplomatic mission and Chinese citizens. This warning comes against a backdrop of heightened bilateral tensions, including a series of alarming events that have raised fears for the well-being of the approximately 800,000 Chinese residents, students, and visitors in Japan. The embassy highlighted specific cases of harassment and violence, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures in daily life.

Japan's public security landscape has reportedly deteriorated, with overall criminal cases under the penal code climbing from 568,000 in 2021 to 774,000 in 2025, according to data from Japan's National Police Agency. Serious offenses like murder, robbery, arson, rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault have seen a 71 percent increase over the same period, from 8,821 to 15,086 cases. While not exclusively targeting Chinese individuals, the embassy links these trends to a broader rise in right-wing activities and anti-Chinese sentiment.

Timeline of Key Incidents Involving Chinese Nationals

The advisory detailed several recent episodes underscoring the risks. On March 24, 2026, Kodai Murata, a 23-year-old second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), scaled the embassy wall in Tokyo armed with an 18-centimeter knife. He demanded to meet the ambassador and issued threats to kill Chinese diplomats "in the name of god." Murata was arrested on the spot and later re-arrested for illegal weapon possession. Japanese authorities described it as an individual act, expressing regret but stopping short of broader accountability.

Just one week later, on March 31, an individual purporting to be an SDF reserve member posted an online video claiming to have planted a remote-controlled bomb inside the embassy premises. Japanese police responded with a two-hour bomb disposal operation but have made no arrests to date. Earlier, on March 5, a group claiming affiliation with former police and SDF members sent a terror threat letter targeting Chinese diplomatic missions.

Beyond direct threats to the embassy, everyday harassment has escalated. Right-wing activists openly confronted Chinese spectators at a Tokyo marathon on March 1. A Chinese student in Tokyo fell victim to "bumping men"—individuals who deliberately shoulder-check passersby in crowded areas. In February, a Hong Kong tourist was struck on the head with a beer bottle during a dispute at a Sapporo restaurant in Hokkaido. The embassy has lodged nearly 30 protests with Japanese police over these matters, citing inadequate investigations.

Embassy's Practical Safety Recommendations

In response, the embassy advised Chinese citizens to travel in groups, steer clear of poorly lit or crowded areas, and avoid confrontation with provocateurs. Victims are encouraged to preserve evidence, report promptly to local police, and contact the embassy or consulates for support. The notice stresses prioritizing personal safety during encounters with right-wing groups or "bumping men," recommending composure and immediate disengagement.

This marks the latest in a series of alerts from the embassy, which has issued five safety notices since early 2026. Previous warnings in January and March cited similar harassment patterns, urging avoidance of travel to Japan amid deteriorating conditions. For students and long-term residents—numbering over 123,000 Chinese students alone—the message underscores routine precautions like group outings and heightened awareness in public spaces.

Chinese Government's Diplomatic Pushback

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated calls for Japan to "reflect and correct its mistakes," demanding thorough probes, perpetrator punishment, and explanations. Beijing attributes the incidents to entrenched issues: distorted historical narratives, inadequate Self-Defense Forces oversight, and Japan's assertive stance on Taiwan and regional security. Experts like Lü Chao from Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences warn of neo-militarism echoes, fueled by right-wing resurgence and suppressed rational discourse.

China has summoned Japanese officials multiple times, protesting violations of diplomatic sovereignty. The ministry views these as symptoms of Japan's offensive security pivot, including Tomahawk missile acquisitions and Taiwan proximity deployments, exacerbating anti-Chinese rhetoric.

Japan's Official Response and Internal Challenges

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara labeled the embassy break-in "utterly unacceptable," summoning Chinese diplomats in protest while bolstering security. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani called Murata's actions "deeply regrettable," initiating an internal JGSDF review. Police have investigated threats but report limited progress, attributing many to isolated extremism.

Some Japanese media and officials question the embassy's narrative, noting no verified surge in anti-Chinese hate crimes per National Police Agency data. General crime rises are acknowledged, but targeted discrimination statistics remain sparse. Critics argue Beijing amplifies incidents for diplomatic leverage amid Taiwan Strait frictions, like Japan's recent transit protest.

Photo by Sho Shimada on Unsplash

Roots of Anti-Chinese Sentiment in Japan

Bilateral strains trace to historical grievances, territorial disputes (Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands), and contemporary flashpoints like Taiwan. Japan's 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook downgraded China ties, citing security threats. Right-wing groups exploit these, staging protests and harassment. Public opinion polls show waning favorability toward China, influenced by media coverage of economic coercion and military maneuvers.

The influx of Chinese tourists and residents—pre-COVID highs exceeded 9 million annually—has sparked local frictions over behavior, property purchases, and economic competition. While most interactions are positive, isolated incidents fuel narratives of cultural clash, amplified online.

Impacts on Chinese Community and Economy

Over 800,000 Chinese live in Japan, including professionals, students, and families. Rising incidents erode sense of security, prompting some to reconsider stays or visits. Student associations report increased anxiety, with group travel norms emerging. Tourism, a key sector, faces headwinds; Chinese visitors dropped post-2025 alerts, hurting hospitality.

Business ties persist, but executives note vigilance protocols. Long-term, unchecked tensions could chill people-to-people exchanges, vital for stability despite economic interdependence (bilateral trade ~$300 billion yearly).

Multi-Perspective Views from Experts

Chinese analysts like Xiang Haoyu from China Institute of International Studies decry Japan's militarism revival, urging global vigilance. Japanese experts attribute incidents to individual mental health issues (Murata studied philosophy), not systemic bias. Neutral observers, including UN rapporteurs, call for hate crime tracking and anti-discrimination laws, absent in Japan.

Western media highlight mutual provocations: Japan's Taiwan support vs China's embassy sensitivities. Balanced diplomacy, experts say, requires de-escalation, enhanced protection, and dialogue on shared interests like disaster response.

Diplomatic Implications and Regional Stability

These events strain China-Japan ties, Asia's economic anchors. Past crises (2012 islands) saw trade dips; recurrence risks escalation. Both sides eye US alliances: Japan bolsters QUAD, China counters via AUKUS concerns. Positive notes include 2025 economic dialogues, but security hawks dominate.

Resolution demands trust-building: Japan improving oversight, China moderating rhetoric. Multilateral forums like G20 offer venues for cooling tempers.

Actionable Insights for Chinese Nationals Abroad

• Monitor embassy updates regularly.
• Use ride-sharing apps, avoid isolated walks at night.
• Join community networks for mutual support.
• Document incidents with photos/videos for reports.
• Consider travel insurance with evacuation clauses.

Authorities worldwide advise similar for expatriates in tense zones.

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Outlook: Paths to De-escalation

Short-term: Expect continued alerts if probes stall. Long-term: Leadership summits could reset dynamics, focusing economy over ideology. Civil society exchanges foster understanding. Monitoring public security reforms in Japan will gauge progress. Chinese nationals remain resilient, contributing vibrantly to host societies despite challenges.

For updates, follow official channels. Safety first amid fluid geopolitics.