In the incident of the attack on the Japanese school bus in Suzhou, after Hu Youping, who was injured while trying to stop the criminal, tragically passed away, Japanese political figures, media, and the public expressed their respect and condolences. The Chinese Communist Party referred to the case as a “sudden incident” and “non-discriminatory” violence, not targeting Japanese people. In response, the Japanese public widely questioned this, believing that the CCP is manipulating public opinion for stability.
The Japanese Embassy in China published a post on Weibo on June 27, expressing deep sorrow for the unfortunate death of Ms. Hu Youping and showing respect for her noble act, stating that “her courage and kindness also represent the vast Chinese population.” At the same time, the embassy lowered its flag to half-mast in her honor.
Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi also expressed profound respect and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Japanese government and people for Hu Youping’s heroic sacrifice. He stated that the Chinese authorities preliminarily judged it as a “random incident” and expected the details to be disclosed soon. He also emphasized that the Japanese Embassy will make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese expatriates in China.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, expressed deep sadness on June 28 for Hu Youping’s “ineffective treatment and passing,” stating that her courageous act prevented harm to Japanese children on the school bus. He extended gratitude and respect for her brave actions.
On the same day, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also expressed deep condolences for the passing of Ms. Hu Youping, stating her grief for the news and expressing sincere gratitude and respect for her courageous actions.
Japanese parliamentarian Hiroshi Yamada wrote on platform X, “I offer my heartfelt condolences.” He sincerely thanked Ms. Hu for courageously protecting the Japanese mother and son from the assailants.
Likewise, House of Representatives member Hideki Makihara wrote, “I sincerely express my gratitude and prayers to Ms. Hu.”
Democratic Party member Yuichiro Tamaki also stated, “I express my gratitude and respect for Ms. Hu Youping’s courageous actions and pray for her soul from the bottom of my heart.” He particularly emphasized urging the Chinese authorities to take appropriate measures if radical anti-Japanese sentiments played a role in the crime.
The editorial of one of Japan’s major newspapers, “Sankei Shimbun,” on June 30 mourned Ms. Hu Youping for protecting the Japanese people from the attackers.
The editorial praised and thanked Ms. Hu for her courageous act of blocking the assailant attempting to board the school bus. It lamented her passing, expressing sincere condolences and regret.
The editorial suggested that the Japanese government could send senior officials (ministers, deputy ministers, government officials), ambassadors, etc., to Ms. Hu’s grave to present a sincere letter of gratitude to her family. They hoped to continue associating with kind people like Ms. Hu.
“Ms. Hu made Japanese people realize the existence of kind and courageous Chinese. This is something that should be passed down through generations, but the attack itself is very outrageous and raises many issues.”
After the culprit was arrested, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the police believed it was a “random incident,” but is that really the case? People still suspect that this criminal event stemmed from anti-Japanese sentiments. In April this year, not far from the scene of this incident, a Japanese man was lightly injured by an unknown man stabbing him in the neck.
Following the school bus attack, voices praising the assault on Japanese people appeared on Chinese social media.
The editorial stated, “If years of anti-Japanese education by the Chinese government have incited hatred towards Japanese people, the situation becomes even more serious – Japanese people may not feel secure living or traveling in China. Therefore, the full details of the Suzhou series of events should be made public through trials and other means.”
Asahi Shimbun reported on July 1 that after the attack on the Japanese school bus and Ms. Hu Youping’s death in Suzhou, China’s social media began restricting the publication of anti-Japanese remarks. The authorities may have taken countermeasures due to radical anti-foreign sentiments and actions online.
On June 30, Baidu announced that around 300 posts inciting confrontation and extreme national emotions between China and Japan had been blocked. The statement mentioned defamation claiming Ms. Hu who prevented the attack was a “Japanese spy” and other posts suggesting “Japanese should be exterminated.”
Apart from Baidu, Netease, Tencent, and Bilibili also took similar measures.
In response, senior journalist Keiko Yoshioka commented, saying that the CCP’s control over public opinion is a familiar sight. The use of “patriotism is not a crime” as a threat in foreign relations with Japan, but when anti-Japanese demonstrations turn into violent activities, control is enforced. This kind of operation is like turning on and off a faucet.
A Modern Business website article on July 2 believed that the Chinese government is attempting to cover up the anti-Japanese sentiments in the Suzhou incident. While offering condolences to Ms. Hu Youping’s family, the CCP’s spokesperson did not express any condolences to the Japanese victims and their families, which is very unusual. It seems as if the stabbing of Japanese individuals is treated as a matter of course. No statements have been made regarding the motive behind the attack.
Both in Japan and China, people are closely following the motives of the individuals involved in the Suzhou attack incident. The Suzhou police stated that the motive might be dissatisfaction with society, and the investigation is ongoing. The fact that the suspect has no family or job deepened their sense of isolation. This case may not have specifically targeted Japanese people but was a “non-discriminatory” act of violence.
Many Japanese people remain skeptical, believing that recent attacks on Americans and Japanese in China are a result of the CCP’s anti-American and anti-Japanese propaganda.
While praising Ms. Hu Youping’s bravery, many Japanese people are also urging the Japanese government to honor her.
One Japanese internet user said that Ms. Hu Youping’s actions transcended borders as an act of humanity deserving praise. Her courage and sacrifice should be forever remembered, and they strongly hope the Japanese government formally expresses gratitude. “Ms. Hu Youping, thank you for your courage and dedication. Your actions will be etched deeply in our hearts, and your story will continue to be told to future generations.”
Another Japanese netizen analyzed, “If the Chinese government expresses ‘condolences’ to the injured Japanese mother and son, it would be like bowing down to Japan, contradicting the policy of strengthening internal control by anti-Japanese sentiment. On the other hand, continuing the ‘patriotism is not a crime’ policy would lead to the spread of ‘anti-China’ sentiment in Japanese politics and the business sector. The Chinese government is currently worried about ‘de-Chinaization,’ especially as the economic crisis rapidly spreads.”
Some Japanese internet users believe that in China, a country under one-party rule by the Communist Party, things that are unimaginable in free countries like Japan could happen. Japan should consider relocating production lines from countries with heightened anti-Japanese sentiments to domestic areas.