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Japanese broadcaster NHK criticized the Black Lives Matter anime
He explained that the main causes of the riots included the growing wealth gap between white and black Americans, and a higher rate of job loss among the black community because of Covid-19.
However, there was no mention of George Floyd’s death or police brutality in the US.
The public broadcaster NHK posted the video on Twitter on Sunday but has since removed it after receiving much online criticism.
Joseph M. Young, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Tokyo, said Tuesday that the anime was “offensive and insensitive.”
“While we understand the intention of NHK to tackle complex racial issues in the United States, it is unfortunate that more thought and attention does not go into this video,” he said. “Learning about racial justice and equality is a lifelong effort. A good place to start is the ‘Talking About Race’ exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.”
Naomi Osaka, a Japanese professional tennis player, also responded to the NHK post with the popular gif “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey expressing confusion.
Others on Twitter also responded to the NHK tweet by calling it “embarrassing” and for spreading “misinformation” about the riots.
In a statement, NHK said the animation was part of a 26-minute program that explained US protests, which also discussed Floyd’s death, Donald Trump’s administration of the problem, and criticism of it, as well as in-depth divisions in American society.
“We at NHK sincerely apologize for the computer animated clips posted on our Twitter account,” he said. “We regret the lack of consideration in bringing the clip, and apologize to all those who are offended.”
On Saturday there were street protests in Tokyo against police brutality as part of a wave of global demonstrations after Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
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