Man who wore Japanese military uniform detained

A man who posted an apology video online to explain why he dressed in a Japanese military uniform to lead a wedding motorcade was proven to be a lie, as confirmed by a notice from Tianjin police.

The police investigation revealed the man, surnamed Liu, is a 36-year-old Tianjin local and a member of Changjiang 750 motorcycle club. He accepted a wedding invitation from a club member, surnamed Chen, on May 24 and rode his Changjiang 750 motorcycle to the wedding on May 27.

At the wedding, Liu, wearing an Imperial Japanese military uniform and a replica rifle mostly used by Japanese aggressors in World WarⅡ, posed for many photos.

Liu was then asked by the club's WeChat group initiator, surnamed Zhang, to lead the wedding motorcade on a city road and was shot on videos along the way, including widely criticized footage of him giving a thumbs-up to camera.

The photos and videos were later posted online by Zhang, which were circulated and sparked public outcry.

Many netizens denounced Liu as a "spiritual Japanese", referring to non-Japanese nationals who worship Japanese militarism and resent their own country. A "spiritual Japanese" glorifies Japan's invasion of China, through such things as wearing Japanese military uniform and taking selfies outside memorials and other locations associated with the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Facing pressure, Zhang deleted the photos and videos. Zhang also convinced Liu to delete related messages on WeChat, destroy the military uniform and post a video online telling a false story about Liu's shooting an internet drama earlier that day, without enough time to change clothes before the wedding, on May 28.

Liu reported to the police on May 28, and was called to the police station for further investigation the next day.

The police found Zhang and Liu's behavior deeply hurt the Chinese people's feelings, went against core socialist values and had a negative effect on society.

Zhang and Liu reflected on their behavior and expressed regret. They were charged with disturbing public order and put into custody for 10 days. Liu was also fined 200 yuan ($15.55) for riding in a forbidden area.

In recent years, several incidents of "spiritual Japanese" in Japanese military uniform taking photos outside war memorials and posting them online have sparked people's anger. The troublemakers were usually charged with disturbing public order and detained for a few days.

To prevent such behavior, a revision to a draft law on national heroes and martyrs was submitted for a second review to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the top legislature, on April 25. A new clause would outlaw such behavior, opening the door to tougher penalties.

Hu Keming, vice-chairman of the NPC's Constitution and Law Committee, said such behavior damages the dignity of the State and suggested legal consequences need to be further clarified and penalties increased.

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