In almost all international polls, Japan ranks high in ratings with regard to peacefulness or contribution to world peace and stability. In other words, people in many countries have a favorable image of Japan. There is, however, a noteworthy exception: China.
Japan is neither liked nor particularly respected as a nation with which China has to promote friendly relations. On the other side of the coin, China, despite its remarkable economic progress and increasing political influence, is neither respected nor particularly liked in Japan. In fact quietly but nevertheless distinctly, a growing number of people in Japan seem to feel an aversion to China, or express a dislike for China. What exactly lies behind this antipathy toward China?
From the average citizen's point of view, the large proportion of Chinese among illegal immigrants and the crimes allegedly committed by illegal residents could be provoking a backlash. Another cause might be exasperation over Japan's continuing need to depend on Chinese products despite inadequate food safety control: the gyoza dumpling incident is a symbolic example.
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