Japanese Woman Attacked in China While Walking with Child

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On July 31 in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, a Japanese woman walking with her child was attacked and injured by an unidentified person. The suspect has not yet been apprehended, and it remains unclear whether the woman was targeted because of her nationality.

A similar incident occurred in Suzhou in June 2024, when a Japanese mother and child were injured in a knife attack by a Chinese man.

The latest attack took place inside a subway station. Using what appeared to be a rock, the perpetrator struck the woman, who sustained injuries. She was treated at a hospital and is not in a life-threatening condition. The child with her was reportedly unharmed.

Embassy Warning

On August 1, the Japanese Embassy in China issued a warning email to Japanese residents, urging them to "remain highly vigilant of their surroundings, including any suspicious individuals, when going out."

In response to the incident, the Japanese government called on Chinese authorities to swiftly apprehend the suspect, impose strict punishment, prevent similar attacks, and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.

China has designated 2025 as the "80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression." On July 25, the Chinese film "Dead to Rights," based on the Nanjing Incident during Japan's military occupation of the city, was released. In light of these developments, the Japanese Embassy has warned of a possible rise in anti-Japanese sentiment.

Past Incidents

The June 24, 2024, incident in Suzhou involved a Japanese woman and her preschool-aged child. They were attacked with a knife by a Chinese man while waiting at a bus stop for a Japanese school bus. A Chinese bus attendant, Hu Youping (54 at the time), was fatally stabbed while trying to stop the attacker.

Mourn, Honor Hu Youping, the Chinese Who Protected Japanese Kids

*The bus stop in Suzhou where bus attendant Hu Youping gave her life in trying to protect a Japanese mother and child from a knife attack. (©Kyodo)*

In another case, in September 2024, a Japanese elementary school boy was stabbed to death in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.

Chinese Gov't Must Reflect on Its Responsibility in the Stabbing of the Japanese Boy in Shenzhen

Business Community Reaction

In response to the most recent incident, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China — an organization made up of Japanese companies operating in the country — issued a statement on August 1.

"It is extremely regrettable that such an incident has occurred again," the chamber said.

The organization emphasized that it takes the matter "with the utmost seriousness" and stressed that "for Japanese companies operating in China, ensuring the safety of employees and their families is fundamental to doing business."

It called on both the Japanese and Chinese governments to promptly disclose detailed information about the incident, including its background and motive, and to take appropriate steps to protect Japanese nationals.

Suzhou, located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province, is a major commercial and industrial hub with a significant presence of Japanese companies. According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4,919 Japanese nationals were living in Suzhou as of October 2024 — a 7.4% decrease from the previous year.

Author: Shohei Mitsuka, The Sankei Shimbun

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