Photo/Illutration The area near the site of the knife attack in Shenzhen, China (Yohei Kobayakawa)

Many people were praying desperately for his recovery, but the news that came yesterday shattered everyone’s hopes.

A 10-year-old Japanese schoolboy died on Sept. 19 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, after being stabbed by a man the day before while on his way to school.

Why did this innocent youngster have to meet such a tragic and violent end? This thought is tearing me apart.

The first thing I noted from photos of the scene of the attack is that it occurred on a lush, tree-lined street, said to be about 200 meters from his school. In my mind, I pictured the boy quickening his steps in happy anticipation of the day ahead with his friends.

The crime was beyond heinous.

In the absence of any explanation from Chinese authorities about the perpetrator’s possible motive, I refrain from speculation.

But I do wish to note that back in June, a knife attack occurred on a school bus of a Japanese school in Suzhou in Jiangsu province. Does the similarity of the two crimes signify anything? Is something going on in China that makes it all right now to cross a certain line?

Kenji Kanasugi, the Japanese ambassador to China, noted that the Chinese authorities have not offered any “satisfactory explanation” regarding either of those stabbings.

Their reticence can only add to Japanese people’s anxiety and mistrust of China.

Following the fatal stabbing in Shenzhen, I have noticed on Chinese social media some extreme posts blasting Japan over controversial historical issues.

I believe those online diatribes are what ensue from cloaking distorted perceptions of governance with nationalism that passes for “patriotic education.”

Japan must refrain from committing the same folly.

Bouquets of flowers were placed on the scene of the crime on Sept. 19. A 54-year-old local Chinese resident, who brought a bouquet, said, “We must not forget history. But the man committed a crime, and I condemn him as a fellow Chinese person.”

Let us remind ourselves that these words were uttered by a Chinese citizen.

—The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 20

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.