A Chinese spectator holding a national flag was pushed to the ground by suspected right-wing elements during the Tokyo Marathon on March 1, prompting a stern representation from the Chinese embassy in Japan amid a recent spate of incidents targeting Chinese nationals and tourists.
Videos circulating online show several individuals approaching and shoving the man while police attempted to intervene. The Chinese embassy stated it has lodged a serious representation with Japanese authorities, demanding protection of Chinese citizens' lawful rights and advising Chinese nationals to consider avoiding travel to Japan.
The incident comes as reports emerge of so-called "bumpers" in Japanese cities – individuals who deliberately collide with pedestrians in crowded areas, targeting foreign tourists, women, children, and the elderly. Such incidents have been reported in Tokyo's Ikebukuro and Shibuya districts, as well as Osaka's Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas.
The embassy issued guidance for those affected, including preserving evidence, filing police reports, and obtaining medical certificates for injuries. Under Japanese law, assault charges can carry up to two years imprisonment, while causing injury can lead to 15 years.
The embassy also warned that medical costs for foreign tourists without national health insurance can be two to three times higher than standard rates, urging travelers to secure appropriate insurance before visiting.
