Chinese State Media Releases animation Mocking Japanese Prime Minister Kishida
BEIJING – Chinese state media outlets have sparked controversy by disseminating an animated video ridiculing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio kishida, drawing condemnation from Tokyo and raising further tensions between the two nations. The animation, released on December 4, 2025, depicts Kishida as having a visible lump on his head while making references to japan’s wartime history and recent wastewater discharge from the fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
The animated clip,shared widely across platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok),is the latest in a series of escalating rhetorical exchanges between China and Japan. The animation’s release comes amid ongoing disputes over historical interpretations, territorial claims in the East China Sea, and Japan’s security alliance with the United States. The incident underscores the deep-seated distrust and nationalist sentiments that continue to shape the relationship between Asia’s two largest economies.
The animation specifically targets Kishida’s appearance, focusing on a perceived lump on his head, and links it to accusations of dishonesty regarding the Fukushima water release.The video also features imagery referencing Japan’s wartime actions, a sensitive topic in both countries. Chinese state media has previously criticized Japan’s handling of the Fukushima situation, alleging insufficient transparency and potential environmental risks.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the animation as “extremely regrettable and unacceptable,” stating it “severely damages mutual trust.” Hayashi further emphasized that the animation distorts facts and is a clear attempt to undermine the credibility of the Japanese government. The Japanese government has lodged a formal protest with the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.
This is not the first instance of Chinese state media employing provocative imagery targeting foreign leaders. Similar tactics have been used in the past to criticize the United States and other nations perceived as challenging China’s interests. The incident highlights the increasing use of digital media as a tool for geopolitical messaging and information warfare. The long-term impact of this latest exchange remains to be seen, but it is likely to further complicate diplomatic efforts between Beijing and Tokyo.
