Name: Tokyo-Beijing dispute fuels unease among Chinese diaspora in Japan
Uploaded: 2025-11-19T19:56:47.644Z
Duration: 2 min 44 s
Description: The diplomatic dispute between China and Japan intensifies. What it could mean for Chinese nationals living and working in Tokyo.

The diplomatic dispute between China and Japan intensifies. What it could mean for Chinese nationals living and working in Tokyo.

Tokyo

A recent diplomatic dispute between Japan and China has led to growing unease among the Chinese diaspora living in Japan, particularly in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, which is home to a vibrant Chinese community. The situation has intensified following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi suggesting possible military involvement if China attacks Taiwan, prompting concerns about rising nationalist sentiment and the potential for increased risks to Chinese residents.

As relations deteriorate, Beijing has issued warnings to Chinese students in Japan and advised against travel to the country. The dispute threatens to impact the livelihoods of both Chinese and Japanese residents, with a research institute estimating that a full travel boycott could result in annual losses exceeding $14 billion for Japan's economy.

Tokyo-Beijing dispute fuels unease among Chinese diaspora in Japan

In Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, you don't need to look hard to find the Chinese community. With its Chinese-run restaurants and supermarkets, it's known unofficially as Chinatown in Japan's capital. I like Japanese culture, particularly the anime here. I also find the welfare policies here favorable. Xin Zheng runs a store selling groceries imported from China. He's been living in Tokyo for eight years and considers it his home. For many Chinese, the latest dispute between the two governments has been an unwelcome development. This is all very political. Us ordinary people just have to mind our own business. Politics is politics. I'm just an individual. Still, Zheng tells us he hopes Japan doesn't interfere in Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-governed island as part of its territory. The suggestion by newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi that Japan could become militarily involved in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan has created unease. A rise in nationalist sentiment is already causing concern among immigrants, and many are worried the quarrel between Tokyo and Beijing could spell trouble. A relaxation of visa requirements in Japan in recent years has seen Chinese immigration become more prominent than ever before in this country. Up until the latest dispute between the two sides, the number of Chinese people living here was expected to exceed one million in 2026. That's compared to about 870,000 at the end of 2024. But in recent days, as tides have deteriorated, Beijing has warned students living here of heightened risks. It's also advised holidaymakers not to travel to Japan. Asako Wagi sells dried seafood and other snacks in Ueno district, a popular tourist area. He says the Chinese visitors make up a significant percentage of the customers for most of the businesses. Japan has managed for 80 years precisely because it hasn't been involved in war. In that sense, the question is, how long can we continue avoiding involvement in conflict? There's a risk Ms. Takahashi might undermine that stance. The public certainly doesn't want Japan dragged into wars that offer no benefit. Personally, I hope for a peaceful resolution. One research institute estimates a full travel boycott could result in an annual loss of more than $14 billion. That could hurt the livelihoods of both the Japanese as well as Chinese who've settled in this country. Patrick Fock, Al Jazeera, Tokyo.

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