Kirk here sharing another example of hate speech. The article is from NHK:

https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/na-k10015196331000

It's basically a good article but it could be better. Instead of the slightly sensationalist question ("Did Foreign Nationals Steal Food from a Convenience Store?") it might have been worded as follows: "Beware of False Information: Foreign Nationals Falsely Accused of Stealing Food from a Convenience Store." The question is problematic because it seems to imply that the rumor MIGHT be true. Of course, it could be that the person who decided on the title of the article is someone other than the person who wrote it. Still, . . .

Also, I'd like to point out that the hateful post from which I took the image is calling for "severe punishment" for the supposed thieves. I too am in favor of "severe punishment" but for the idiots who spread these sorts lies on the internet -- not for the falsely accused.

--- Start ChatGPT translation ---
Kumamoto Earthquake: Did Foreign Nationals Steal Food from a Convenience Store? Beware of False Information

August 4, 2026, 8:19 p.m.
2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

Following last month’s Kumamoto earthquake, false information has been spreading on social media claiming that “Indonesians stole” food from a convenience store. False reports of crimes and other harm tend to spread easily after disasters. Even when people encounter emotionally provocative posts, it is important to remain calm, refrain from sharing them without verification, and check information provided by public authorities and news organizations.

On July 31, following the earthquake that registered a maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in Kumamoto Prefecture, false information was posted and widely shared on X. The post included a video showing people resting in a parking lot and convenience-store crates containing food, accompanied by claims such as, “Indonesians stole entire crates from FamilyMart in the disaster area.”

Some of the posts have since been deleted, but at least one was viewed more than 11 million times.

The video was filmed in the parking lot of the Kumamoto factory operated by Fuji Baking, a major bread manufacturer. In response to an inquiry, the company explained:

“We understand that factory employees were resting outside because the power was out at their dormitory and it was hot inside. The food had been distributed to employees because it could not be delivered to convenience stores. No theft occurred.”

The information being circulated was therefore false.

False reports of crimes and other harm have repeatedly spread following disasters, and similar misinformation is circulating in connection with the latest Kumamoto earthquake.

Even when a post provokes a strong emotional reaction, people should check who posted it and what kind of material the account normally publishes. When the source is uncertain, it is important not to share the post casually, but instead to remain calm and verify the information through public authorities and news organizations.

--- end ChatGPT translation ---

This image comes from the following racist X post: https://x.com/dextuchiboukou/status/2084821827088728513