Hankyu Department Store Accused of 'China Taipei' Broadcasts, Angering Taiwanese Customers

A Japanese department store, Hankyu, is facing accusations of deliberately diminishing Taiwan's identity. The store has reportedly broadcast "China Taipei" when calling for Taiwanese customers, while using only "Hong Kong" or "Macau" for customers from those regions. This perceived double standard has angered many Taiwanese individuals, prompting them to write letters of complaint.

Digital creator Emily Kohara, who lives in Japan, has shared instructions on how to file complaints in Japanese to ensure the store takes the issue seriously. She noted that Japanese businesses often use "canned" responses, and a different approach to complaints might be more effective. Another content creator, VTuber Saya, has also provided similar guidance, drawing attention from Japanese netizens.

Many Taiwanese individuals living in or visiting Japan have reported that this is not the first instance of Hankyu department store allegedly downplaying Taiwan's identity. Some speculate that Chinese investment may be influencing the store's actions, leading it to suppress Taiwanese identity. Others suggest that a significant number of Chinese employees at Hankyu might be intentionally creating friction, similar to incidents reported at NHK, to damage friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan.

Online discussions reveal further anecdotes. One former Hankyu employee recalled never adding "China" to "Taiwan" in broadcasts and noted a complaint received when a junior colleague did so. This colleague, who grew up in China, reportedly stated she was taught that Taiwan is part of China.

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When a person complains, they take it out on all of us.