Good stock photos can be hard to come by sometimes, especially if they’re of niche matters like child soldiers. So when a bustling newsroom intern tracks down a perfect photo of children wielding rifles and sitting on tanks, it’s too good to pass up. Even if the photo looks a little off.
The photo in question, though, is more than just doctored. It’s not even real. In fact, it’s a promotional image released by Konami for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Recently, however, it was used by TV network RT (previously Russia Today) to illustrate child soldiers in a SophieCo segment featuring former child soldier turned hip-hop artist Emmanuel Jal.
The full video can be found at RT; the camera pans across the image around 5:50.
Source: Gamespot via Kotaku via Tumblr
More from Anime News Network



Little Big Planet 3 offers Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain costumes
The Phantom Limb Project: Gamer to get prosthetic limb inspired by Metal Gear Solid V
Metal Gear Solid composer talks Konami fall out
Geoff Keighley: Konami bans Metal Gear Solid V’s Hideo Kojima from game awards
Special edition Metal Gear Solid V PS4 is kind of uninspired, will probably sell by the bucketload
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Japan’s most popular domestic burger chain adds 100-percent vegan burgers to menu
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
Mos Burger adds new plant-based vegan teriyaki burger to its menu
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
2,000 figures ready for their close-ups at toy exhibition in Ikebukuro – and oh, admission is free!
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese special edition Metal Gear Solid V buyers get a Diamond Dogs jacket
New female Metal Gear figure features a heaping helping of suggestiveness…and a doggy! 【Photos】
Voice of Metal Gear Solid’s Solid Snake/Big Boss completes Tokyo coronavirus vaccination mission
GameSpot: Hideo Kojima wants new game to expand into anime
P.T. easter egg discovered tucked away in Metal Gear Solid V 【Video】
Metal Gear Solid’s composer wants you to chill
Where have we heard Metal Gear Solid V’s iDroid voice before? When we last rode the Shinkansen!
Metal Gear Solid is now real with awesome “real infiltration game” opening in Tokyo【Video】
From Sailor Moon to Freddy Krueger – The lovely cosplayers of Wonder Festival