Japanese actor Koji Yano Photo: Sina Weibo

Japanese actor Koji Yano expresses his support for the "one-China" in a video he posted on Xiaohongshu on Tuesday Photo: Screenshot of Xiaohongshu

At least two Japanese artists have openly expressed support for "one China" as of Tuesday. Japanese actor Koji Yano posted words of support for one China on Sina Weibo on Tuesday afternoon. His move echoed fellow Japanese singer MARiA publicly posting a similar stance on the platform earlier that day and drawing hundreds of thousands of likes for the post.

In his post, Yano said that 25 years ago, he arrived in China alone. Over the years, the country has given him "a career, friendship, and a sense of purpose in life." He stressed that China is not merely his "second home," but a place where he truly redefined the concept of family. 

"I will forever cherish all of this, steadfastly support one China, and I will always love you all!" the actor said in the post. He also posted a video of himself speaking the same words on Xiaohongshu, or Red Note.

His post quickly became a trending topic on Sina Weibo, amassing over 1.77 million views and generating extensive discussion in the comments section. "Yano's values and stance have been clear and consistent, reflecting a person who shows respect for history. He is a sincere person," a netizen commented. 

Yano began his acting career in the China back in 2000. Across numerous film and television productions he has participated in, he has often portrayed Japanese military officers during the war.

Sharing similar feelings as Yano, Japanese singer MARiA posted on Sina Weibo on Tuesday: "China is my second home, and all my friends in China are my cherished family - I will always support one China." 

Below her post, netizens' comments of support are still growing. As of Tuesday night, over 4,800 netizens had commented on the post. 

The Japanese stars' statements supporting "one China" on social media were issued after the recent controversy caused by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan Straits.

Takaichi claimed at a Diet meeting on November 7 that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. She refused to retract her remarks which imply the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Straits.

Multiple Chinese ministries and government agencies have condemned the Japanese side's related moves and remarks, warning that Japan would face a resolute response if it dared to meddle in the Taiwan question.

Japanese singer MARiA Photo: Sina Weibo