China-Born Japanese Lawmaker Counters Beijing Propaganda on YouTube

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Former Chinese national Seki Hei, who secured his first Upper House seat in Japan's July election, has begun posting videos in Chinese on his YouTube channel, sharing his views and commenting on current affairs. He expects his audience to include Chinese nationals both in Japan and overseas, as well as officials in Beijing.

The video is released as part of Seki Hei's China Weekly News Commentary under the theme "Traitor Seki Hei Has Something to Say!" The first episode, posted on September 13, runs about 10 minutes and includes no Japanese subtitles or captions.

Speaking entirely in Chinese, Seki addresses viewers directly, conveying his views.

It's rare for a Japanese politician to state positions such as "The Senkaku Islands are Japan's inherent territory" or "Massacre (in the Nanking Incident) did not occur" in Chinese.

The lawmaker's videos are certain to draw significant attention.

Dismissing China Sanctions

In his first installment, Seki revealed that in early September, he was placed under Chinese government sanctions. It included the freezing of his assets in China and a ban on his entry into the country.

He suggested the move "appears to stem from my past opinions on issues like Taiwan, the Senkaku Islands, and Tibet." Seki dismissed the measures, saying, "I have no assets in China and no intention of traveling there. It's truly absurd."

*Upper House member Seki Hei (Ishin no Kai). (©Sankei by Takumi Kamoshida)*

Seki went on to say, "Japan is a democratic nation with freedom of speech. Everyone has the right to express their views freely."

He added with sarcasm, "For a major power like China to sanction a single individual through its Foreign Ministry — isn't that giving me too much credit?"

Senkaku, Nanking, and Patriotism

On the Senkaku Islands (Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture), over which China claims sovereignty, Seki said unequivocally, "They are an inherent part of Japan's territory, and there is no room for debate."

As a Diet member, he stressed, "I will work to safeguard the Japanese territory, including the Senkaku Islands, from invasion."

He also addressed the so-called "Nanking Incident" that China alleges took place during the Sino-Japanese War.

Referring to the Chinese government's claim that the Imperial Japanese Army massacred hundreds of thousands of civilians, Seki questioned, "Could hundreds of thousands really have been killed? That's impossible. Is it actually a fact? Have large numbers of remains been discovered in Nanking?"

"It [the massacre] is a fabricated story," he said.

Seki further stated, "As a Japanese Diet member, I will pursue Japan's national interests. I am a patriot of Japan." Pointing to the insults he faces online in China, where he is branded a "traitor," he countered, "The real traitors are the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party."

Mixed Online Reactions

Looking ahead, Seki said, "To honor those who gave their lives defending Japan, I will continue to make regular visits to Yasukuni Shrine. I have no desire for war between Japan and China. What I seek is a rational and strategic relationship."

The recent video drew numerous comments in Chinese, apparently some from Chinese netizens.

Some expressed support, describing the lawmaker's remarks as "thought-provoking" and suggesting that "in the language of the Chinese Communist Party, 'traitor' means an honest, responsible, and good person."

Others were sharply critical, writing, "Denying the Nanking Massacre is immoral" and "if you visit the memorial hall, you will learn the truth."

Countering Chinese Propaganda

Seki explained in a September 18 interview with The Sankei Shimbun that his purpose in releasing the videos is to "counter the many Chinese people who have been brainwashed by China's education system and misunderstand issues such as the Senkaku Islands and other historical matters. As a former Chinese citizen, I will continue to promote Japan's position."

He further remarked in his video, "As seen in expressions like 'Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan,' the Chinese government's claims are riddled with lies. I will expose them one by one."

The videos are recorded in his free time on weekends. He plans to release new episodes once or twice a week.

Author: Akihiko Tozaki, The Sankei Shimbun

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