#Japan #Tokyo #Fukushima Kaori #Asuka Shinsha #Truth About China

The Book that Challenges Perceptions of China

In an era marked by increasing tension between Japan and China, a revealing book titled '97% of News About China is a Lie' has gained remarkable popularity, leading to its third reprinting by Asuka Shinsha. Authored by Kaori Fukushima, a former correspondent for Sankei Shimbun, this book uncovers the disturbing gaps between the perceptions formed by Japanese media and the harsh realities of Chinese society.

Unmasking Media Narratives

Many readers may wonder why the Japanese understanding of China is so misaligned with reality. Fukushima argues that a significant portion of this misunderstanding stems from media portrayals, which often paint a sanitized version of a complex and multifaceted nation. During her tenure as a newspaper reporter, she felt constrained and unable to fully disclose the intricacies of China's actual state of affairs. With this book, she now reveals the truth behind the curtain.

Fukushima describes a prevalent Chinese trait: a belief that only cunning, devious individuals are capable of effecting historical change. This cultural divergence is starkly contrasted with the hopeful worldview often embraced by the Japanese public, who tend to see the positive potential in mankind. This disparity contributes to the challenges in mutual understanding between the two nations.

The author further argues that the false economic statistics provided by the Chinese government, which mislead not only local citizens but also the international community, stem from a cultural tendency to prioritize immediate gains over long-term trust-building. In a society where citizens are likened to