Aespa faces backlash from Japan over Ningning controversy

In 2022, Ningning, the Chinese member of the K-pop group Aespa (stylized as aespa), posted about a lamp she purchased, asking her fans what they thought of it. More than three years later, the post resurfaced, leading to an online petition in Japan asking the group not to Red and White Song BattleIt is NHK’s famous year-end music program. In just over two days, it has garnered more than 80,000 signatures. So why did an old post about lights spark such outrage?

Japanese netizens call on NHK to remove Aespa from Kohaku

The problem is that the lights are shaped like mushroom clouds, related to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Under the photo, Ning Ning wrote: “I bought a cute desk lamp, what do you think?” Although the post was from a few years ago, Japanese netizens were not impressed. exist X, An account called Deathdol Note called for Aespa to be suspended after Xiaobai Ge joins the battle. The tweet, which also included a link to the petition, has received more than 100 million views.

superior petition page“Deathdol Note” wrote, “An Aespa member purchased an ‘atomic bomb model lamp’ that recreated the moment when 110,000 citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki died instantly. Not only did she display it in her room, she also posted, ‘I bought a cute lamp, what do you think?'”

“This action treated a historical tragedy lightly. The atomic bombing was one of the most destructive and tragic events that humanity has ever experienced. Actions that show a lack of understanding or seem to disregard this fact are considered irresponsible not only to the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but to all countries that value peace.”

“In addition, Aespa is allowed to appear on the Japanese traditional stage Red and White Song Battle Risks of condoning such behavior. amber is a public forum with significant impact on many viewers; ignoring such a sensitive issue is unacceptable. “

NHK Media Executive Director Hiroo Yamana addressed the issue at a press conference on Wednesday, explain“The 37 groups we announced a few days ago, plus a special function, I think they should be able to perform.”

Tensions between Japan and China continue to rise

Ning Ning’s post caused an uproar at a time when political tensions between Japan and China have sharply increased. Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi claimed that if China imposed a naval blockade on Taiwan, it could constitute an “existential threat to the situation,” forcing Japan to respond. Her comments led Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, to post threatening messages on X.

On Sunday, China’s Ministry of Education issued a formal warning advising Chinese citizens to “carefully consider” whether they should study in Japan. The alert comes just two days after Japan’s foreign ministry urged its citizens not to visit the country for the time being. Hong Kong and Macau also issued similar statements. On Wednesday, China notified Japan of its plans to ban all Japanese seafood imports.

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