‘Exterminating the Japanese race’: baseless QAnon conspiracy theories spread, mutate in Japan

QAnon’s days as a solely US phenomenon are over. The conspiracy theory’s foothold in Japan – home to one of its most active networks outside the US – shows how the movement can be made palatable in a range of countries as it gains popularity from Europe to Brazil.Research by social media analytics firm Graphika shows the Japan-based QAnon community is among the most developed international chapters, with distinct terminology, influencers, and behaviours – such as idolising Michael Flynn, a…