This is just what I was thinking.
Surely they must realise that people have short memories, so the let's-all-join-hands-and-hate-Japan fad will come to pass, but as they allow their own population this bit of leeway, they (the protesters and observers alike) are only going to be emboldened to take their frustrations out on to the streets. Today, the target of their anger is the Japanese and that is acceptable to the gummint (under the false pretence of free speech).
Next their anger will be directed back at the gummint (or police), only this time they will be back on the streets and the rules are different (public disruption, anti-subversion et al).
There is no way this will end well.