Key facts
- Young Chinese people enjoy Japanese pop culture such as anime and music.
- Many Chinese youth reject symbols of Japanese militarism.
- The rising sun flag is viewed by many countries, including China, as a symbol of Japanese aggression.
Young Chinese individuals often embrace Japanese popular culture, including anime and music, but maintain a clear distinction when it comes to symbols associated with Japanese militarism. This divide was recently highlighted when Chinese students at Moscow State University confronted a classmate for displaying Japan's rising sun flag in class, calling for his repatriation. The Global Times reported the incident on Sunday. Many nations, including China, perceive the rising sun flag as a symbol of Japanese militarism and past aggression.