In the wake of a large earthquake in Japan, the evacuation messages made by a public broadcasting news anchor have garnered widespread admiration.
It contrasts with derisive reactions from some Chinese media figures and the subsequent reaction from Chinese authorities, marking a notable shift in the Chinese media’s stance toward Japan.
During the Jan. 1 earthquake in Ishikawa, NHK anchor Izumi Yamauchi’s immediate response was to instruct viewers to seek safety.
“Hide under the table, protect your head, take care of your body,” she told viewers.
Following a major tsunami warning by the Japan Meteorological Agency, she emphatically urged viewers to prioritize their safety.
“Your life is in danger, please run fast! Don’t watch TV, run away quickly! Don’t look back, just escape! Run fast! Head to higher ground! Be cautious of cracks in the roads, and avoid injuring your feet while running,” she announced.
Ms. Yamauchi’s response to the earthquake was praised widely in Japan.
Viewers across various media platforms commended her dedication and clear communication during the crisis. Local newspapers highlighted her energy and commitment to broadcasting critical safety information. TV critiques and online forums echoed this sentiment, praising her clear, urgent instructions that likely spurred swift action from those in danger.
The chorus of approval underscored her professionalism and the impact of her actions during the emergency.
It follows NHK’s ongoing efforts to improve disaster reporting, a commitment undertaken following the tragic toll of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan, which claimed over 20,000 lives and led to a serious incident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
It contrasts with the insensitivity displayed by Xiao Chenghao, a Chinese TV host with Hainan Broadcasting Group and Television, who has 7 million followers on social media. His video on Weibo and TikTok implying the earthquake was retribution for Japan releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and the jubilation of some netizens, has drawn criticism.
CCP Shifts Stance, Criticizes ‘Narrow Nationalism’
In a marked departure from its historically anti-Japanese rhetoric, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities have refrained from instigating nationalist sentiments but have also openly criticized such behavior.The shift is exemplified by the suspension of Mr. Xiao for his “inappropriate comments” about the recent Japanese earthquake.
The Economic Media Association of China has declared its intention to monitor the social media activity of media personnel, aiming to avert similar transgressions.
Meanwhile, Shangyou News, a Chinese state-owned media outlet, has highlighted the history of Sino-Japanese cooperation, particularly praising Japan’s assistance to China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the publication acknowledged gestures of goodwill from Japan, such as local Japanese TV stations providing evacuation instructions in Chinese to assist tourists.
The outlet also expressed a rare supportive stance toward Japan’s handling of Fukushima’s nuclear-contaminated water, acknowledging Japan’s autonomy and initiative.
China Digital Times, an influential online news platform covering China, has sharply criticized the prevailing trend of “narrow nationalism” in Chinese society. Its commentary lamented the decline of Chinese media, observing that sensationalism and traffic generation have become the primary focus, often at the expense of objectivity and professionalism. The criticism extended to major state-owned media outlets like The Beijing News and Red Star News for their sensationalist style in covering international news.
The commentary also highlighted the diminishing role of Xinhua, the state news agency, in shaping public opinion, pointing out the lack of objectivity in international news coverage. Many media outlets, unable to attract readers with straightforward reporting, have resorted to embellishing and combining different news elements to generate interest.
Independent writer Zhuge Mingyang interprets this unusual openness in media discourse as an indicator of the CCP’s strategic realignment in response to international pressure.
The growing anti-CCP consensus among major players like the United States, Japan, and South Korea, coupled with a comprehensive decoupling from the CCP, has reportedly spurred this shift in narrative.
The CCP’s current approach, as reflected in these media reports, could be an attempt to mend ties with Japan and mitigate external pressure.
