Chinese motorcycle manufacturer QJ Motor, a sponsor of the Gresini Racing team in the Moto2 class, has demanded the immediate sacking of rider Manuel Gonzalez after he wore a traditional Japanese hachimaki headband during the Motegi race weekend. Gonzalez, who secured his first Moto2 victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, was seen wearing the headband on the grid before the race, sparking controversy and backlash from QJ Motor.
The hachimaki, a symbol of determination and perseverance in Japanese culture, has historical roots dating back to the samurai era. However, it was also notably used by Japanese kamikaze pilots during World War II. Given Japan’s brutal occupation of China and the atrocities committed during that period, the headband holds a vastly different and painful connotation in China, where the conflict led to the deaths of approximately 20 million Chinese citizens.
QJ Motor described images of Gonzalez donning the hachimaki as “a very discordant scene” on social media. While acknowledging that Gonzalez likely had no intention of causing offense, the company emphasized that his actions, whether ignorant or unintentional, were deeply offensive to the Chinese people.
The company’s statement read: “Gonzalez, a racer of the cooperative team Gresini, was invited by the organiser before the start of the race and privately wore the host country’s ‘Bojumaki’ decoration and spread it on social platforms. Although it was an unintentional act because he was a European player and did not understand Chinese history, this behaviour has hurt the national feelings of Chinese riders and the Chinese people.”
In response to the incident, QJ Motor engaged in “solemn negotiations” with the Gresini Racing team, insisting that the team remove all related pictures and video content from their social media platforms and immediately terminate their association with Gonzalez. The manufacturer’s demand puts the Gresini team in a difficult position with only four rounds remaining in the 2024 Moto2 championship.
Gonzalez’s victory at Motegi, his maiden win in the Moto2 category, has propelled him to sixth place in the standings. Despite his success on the track, this incident could significantly impact his career if Gresini decides to adhere to QJ Motor’s demands.
The controversy highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding historical symbols and their varied interpretations across different cultures. While the hachimaki is widely viewed in the West as a representation of martial arts and sportsmanship, it carries a painful historical association in China, emphasizing the need for cultural awareness in international sporting events.
