China Sounds the Alarm After Australian‐Styled Actor Visits Yasukuni
On Sunday, August 15th, the Association of Performing Arts in China threw a “no‑touch” order at actor Zhang Zhehan after photos of him at Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine made the internet buzz. The pictures, taken in 2018 and 2019, sparked a flurry of anger across Chinese online communities and the press.
Why Yasukuni is a Hot‑Button
- Yasukuni is Japan’s war‑dead shrine, honoring soldiers from World War II, including 14 leaders convicted as wartime criminals by an Allied tribunal.
- The shrine is a sore spot for China and other Asian neighbors because of Japan’s militarist past and the lingering tensions it reignites.
- China suffered under Japanese occupation from 1937 to 1945—so the shrine’s visits are more than a mere roadside stop; they’re a flashpoint for national pride and historical grievances.
Association’s Rough Ultimatum
“Zhang Zhehan’s misstep does huge damage to national sentiment and sets a harmful example for younger audiences,” the association said. “We demand that all members avoid any job opportunity with him.”
Watch the Fallout
- Zhang, 30, issued an apology on Chinese social media on Friday, calling his “ignorance” shameful.
- Despite the mea culpa, People’s Daily warned he should “pay a heavy price” for “challenging national dignity.”
- In a cleanup sweep, 25+ Chinese companies—including Coca‑Cola (U.S.) and Pandora (Denmark)—announced the withdrawal of ties with Zhang.
Additional Diplomatic Fires
- The day prior, Chinese officials protested Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi’s visit to the shrine.
- Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian told reporters, “We’re greatly dissatisfied and firmly oppose this visit.”
- Wu characterised the trip as an “incorrect attitude” reflecting how Japan handles its invasion past and its undesirable intent to undermine post‑war order.
- China has lodged a stern representation to Japan, demanding a clear response.
What’s Next for Zhang?
With his film deals in tatters and a national outcry surrounding him, Zhang’s future in entertainment looks bleak—unless he can find a way to explain himself convincingly to a wary public.
In the meantime, the Association of Performing Arts stays ready with its lineup of play‑by‑play heavyweight requests, proving that celebrity missteps and historic sites can collide in a spectacular blaze of public opinion.
