This paper examines the hypothesis that one of the possible reasons for the recent negative perception of Japan in China is the relatively low volume of mutual human exchange between the two countries.
Based on an analysis of various opinion poll data, the characteristics of Chinese perceptions of Japan can be summarized as follows:
(1) Since the mid-1990s, the Chinese perception of Japan has been consistently negative.
(2) Such a negative perception of Japan is stronger in China than in other East Asian countries.
(3) In terms of the medium- and long-term trend since the mid-1990s, Chinese perception of Japan has continued to worsen, which is a unique phenomenon unseen in other East Asian countries including South Korea.
(4) Those Chinese who have experienced direct contact with the Japanese in general have a more moderate perception toward Japan than those Chinese who have not had such experience.
Apart from the historical fact that Japan and China have fought against each other, such a uniquely negative perception toward Japan in China can be attributed to the following reasons:
(1) The strengthening of patriotic education campaigns in China since the mid-1990s.
(2) The upsurge in anti-China perceptions in Japan since the 1990s (which are reflected back to China).
(3) Misperceptions and misunderstandings at an individual level in China, mainly due to the lack of objective knowledge about Japan as well as cultural differences.
One of the possible reasons for the misperception and misunderstanding at the individual level in China could be the relatively low volume of human exchange between China and Japan, which is still relatively low compared with the volume of exchanges between Japan and other major Asian countries.
For instance, Japan’s “visitor-population ratio” (ratio of the number of visitors to Japan compared to the nation’s population) in 2006 is as follows: China, 0.04% (one visitor per 2,500people); South Korea, 4.14% (one visitor per 24); Taiwan, 5.61% (one visitor per 18); Hong Kong, 5.04% (one visitor per 20); Singapore, 3.12% (one visitor per 32).
Data analysis indicates that the current negative perception of Japan in China is unique compared with similar perceptions in other East Asian countries.
There are several reasons for such a situation in China, and the current situation may not be due to only one reason.
Nevertheless, the enhancement of human exchanges between the two countries could be useful to prevent any increase in mutual misunderstanding as well as for managing any outbursts of negative feelings.