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
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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