(ECNS) -- Job postings on a Japanese recruitment website seeking creators to produce content critical of China and favorable to Japan have sparked public backlash, with social media users questioning the funding behind the projects and urging greater transparency and investigation.
According to Japanese media reports, inappropriate job postings have recently surfaced on local recruitment platform Cloud Works. These listings sought creators to produce so-called "China-critical" and "Japan-praising" content.
Work would include writing scripts for YouTube videos and editing them using AI-generated images and other tools. Scriptwriting fees reportedly ranged from 1,500 (about $9.65) to 5,000 yen, while editing fees ranged from 2,000 to 7,000 yen.
Based on job listings reviewed by The Asahi Shimbun, the requirements specified that the videos must criticize China and praise Japan.
Some postings even gave examples, such as producing videos that fabricate stories of Chinese people causing trouble, lacking moral standards, and ultimately suffering the consequences.
In addition to smearing China, the postings also required the production of videos praising Japanese culture and showcasing the advanced technologies of Japanese companies.
After the reports drew attention, the recruitment platform removed the postings from public view on Dec. 3, changing their status to nonpublic. Cloud Works said the project likely violated prohibitions in its regulations and was taken down.
While Cloud Works has not disclosed how many postings were removed, The Asahi Shimbun reported that from November 2024 to November 2025, at least 14 job listings were posted. All involved in producing videos promoting anti-China positions, while a total of 31 people had entered into work contracts.
Such job postings have drawn strong criticism from Japanese netizens.
One commenter said allowing money to distort — or even manufacture — public opinion would inevitably lead to the collapse of democratic countries, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Some commenters said slogans such as "Japan will become strong" and "China will soon collapse" are stock narratives in such videos, adding that they amount to nothing more than delusions.
Some Japanese citizens said the episode symbolized Japan's decline. "In a sense, this is a form of opinion guidance and impression manipulation. When it spreads hatred, it will have a negative impact on Japan," one commenter said.
Others questioned the funding behind the videos. "The source of funding for this kind of content is highly suspicious. If tax money is being used for secret expenditures or party subsidies, that would be absolutely unforgivable," another said.
(By Gong Weiwei)
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