AI Videos of Emperor Hirohito Spark Diplomatic Row

Japan Protests Mocking AI Videos

The government of Japan has formally requested that China take action against a growing number of artificial intelligence videos circulating on Chinese social media platforms. These videos mock Emperor Hirohito, Japan's wartime monarch, and Tokyo has warned that their proliferation could harm the already delicate relationship between the two nations.

This surge in provocative content appears timed with the upcoming 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, a historically sensitive period in the region. The videos have been released in the run-up to a military parade scheduled for September 3 to mark the occasion.

Controversial Depictions Spark Outrage

The AI-generated clips feature a range of disrespectful portrayals that have caused significant offense. In one widely circulated video, Emperor Hirohito's image is digitally transformed into that of a uniformed schoolgirl. Another particularly inflammatory clip depicts him as a dog being trained by General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the Allied forces who oversaw the occupation of Japan following its surrender. The title of this video reads, “Valuable footage of General MacArthur training his dog. I am a big Japanese dog.”

Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Social Media Content

On Tuesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, addressed the issue during a press conference in Tokyo, labeling the videos as definitively "inappropriate." He confirmed that Japan has lodged an official complaint with Beijing through diplomatic channels, urging the Chinese government to take "quick and appropriate measures" to have the footage deleted.

Hayashi specifically highlighted the damaging effect such content could have, stating, "Considering their negative impact on Japan-China relations, we have requested quick and appropriate measures.”

In response to the diplomatic complaint, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Guo Jiakun, was quoted by Kyodo News as saying that Beijing was “still checking information” on the matter.