NHK Employee's Comments on Historical Issues Spark Controversy in Japan and China

However, it was not just his comments on the Diaoyu Islands that sparked controversy. The employee also mentioned the Nanking Massacre, the comfort women, and Unit 731, all highly sensitive topics in Japan. His complete comments were only recently made public by Japanese media on August 22, although his dismissal was reported earlier.

According to the BRTV Beijing Time, the employee's comments were made during a live broadcast about the vandalization of a monument at the Yasukuni Shrine. He deviated from his script and expressed his views on the Diaoyu Islands, saying they are part of China's territory since ancient times. He also used English to express his views on the Nanking Massacre, comfort women, and Unit 731, stating "Don't forget the Nanking Massacre, don't forget the comfort women, they were sex slaves during the war."

NHK President, Katsuto Momii, apologized for the incident, stating that the employee's comments were "inappropriate." The organization is reportedly considering seeking damages and filing a criminal complaint against the employee.

Chinese netizens have rallied around the fired employee, praising him for speaking out on these sensitive issues. On Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, users expressed their support for the employee, with one user stating "钓鱼岛是中国的，这是无可争议的" ("The Diaoyu Islands are China's, this is indisputable"). Another user praised the employee for his "three views" (三观), saying they are "very correct."

However, not all users were supportive of the employee's actions. Some argued that his comments were unprofessional and inappropriate for a live broadcast. Others pointed out that while the employee's views may be widely shared in China, they are not necessarily widely accepted in Japan.

The controversy highlights the complex and sensitive nature of historical issues between China and Japan. The Diaoyu Islands, the Nanking Massacre, comfort women, and Unit 731 are all highly emotive topics that have been the subject of much debate and tension between the two countries.

In China, the incident has been seen as another example of Japan's efforts to downplay or distort its wartime history. Chinese media has been quick to point out the hypocrisy of NHK's actions, arguing that the organization is trying to stifle free speech and ignore the historical facts.

The incident has also sparked a wider discussion on the role of journalists and media organizations in reporting on sensitive historical issues. While some have praised the employee for speaking truth to power, others have argued that his comments were irresponsible and unprofessional.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it is clear that the incident has struck a nerve in both China and Japan. The sensitive nature of historical issues between the two countries means that even small incidents can quickly escalate into major diplomatic rows.