The Korean Minority in Japan: A History of Discrimination
1. Introduction
Koreans constitute the largest ethnic minority group in Japan having the majority of them being the Zainichi. The Zainichi are permanent residents of Koreans in Japan. The Korean minority have been in Japan for centuries and their existence can be dated back to the 7th century when Koreans started migrating to Japan. The first major migration wave occurred during the Japanese empire (1868-1945). This was followed by the second wave which took place after the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The third and final wave happened after the end of World War II when many Koreans were forced to migrate to Japan as a result of the division of Korea into North and South.
The Korean minority has faced a lot of discrimination in Japan. This is evident in the way they are treated by the Japanese government as well as by individual Japanese citizens. The discrimination against Koreans began during the Japanese empire and has continued up to this day. The most recent manifestation of this discrimination took place in Okinawa where the Japanese government decided to build a new military base despite strong opposition from the local population.
2. History of the Korean minority in Japan
2.1 Zainichi
The Zainichi are permanent residents of Koreans in Japan. They are also called Chosenjin which means “people of Joseon”. The term Zainichi was first used in 1937 by the Japanese government to refer to all foreigners living in Japan including Koreans, Chinese, and Taiwanese. However, it is now used specifically to refer to Koreans living in Japan.
The Zainichi have a long history in Japan dating back to the 7th century when Koreans started migrating to Japan. The first major migration wave occurred during the Japanese empire (1868-1945). This was followed by the second wave which took place after the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The third and final wave happened after the end of World War II when many Koreans were forced to migrate to Japan as a result of the division of Korea into North and South.
As of 2018, there are about 1 million Zainichi living in Japan. The majority of them live in Tokyo and Osaka. However, there is a significant presence of Zainichi in other parts of Japan as well such as Fukuoka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Sapporo.
2. 2 The Japanese empire
The first major migration wave of Koreans to Japan occurred during the Japanese empire (1868-1945). This was a period of rapid modernization for Japan which led to increased opportunities for economic advancement and social mobility. As a result, many Koreans decided to migrate to Japan in search of better life prospects.
During the Japanese empire, Koreans were subjected to various forms of discrimination such as forced labor and being denied citizenship rights. They were also not allowed to own land or property and were confined to specific neighborhoods called “Chosen gai” (Korean towns). In spite of these difficulties, many Koreans managed to find success inJapan through hard work and determination.
2. 3 The 1910 annexation treaty
The second major wave of Korean migration to Japan took place after the annexationof Korea by Japanin 1910. This was done through amilitary-backed government which signed a treaty with Imperial Japangiving it control over Korea’s foreign affairs and military.
As a result of the annexation, many Koreans were forced to migrate to Japan asJapanese citizens. This was done in order to prevent them from becoming a potential source of political instability. The Korean minority was once again subjected to various forms of discrimination such as being denied citizenship rights and being forced to use Japanese names.
2. 4 Forced migration
The third and final wave of Korean migration to Japan took place after the end of World War II when many Koreans were forced to migrate to Japan as a result of the division of Korea into North and South. This division led to an influx of refugees into Japan, many of whom were Koreans.
The Korean minority has faced a lot of discrimination in Japan. This is evident in the way they are treated by the Japanese government as well as by individual Japanese citizens. The discrimination against Koreans began during the Japanese empire and has continued up to this day. The most recent manifestation of this discrimination took place in Okinawa where the Japanese government decided to build a new military base despite strong opposition from the local population.
3. Discrimination against the Korean minority in Japan
3.1 Racism
The discrimination against Koreans in Japan can be traced back to the Japanese empire (1868-1945). During this period, Koreans were subjected to various forms of discrimination such as forced labor and being denied citizenship rights. They were also not allowed to own land or property and were confined to specific neighborhoods called “Chosen gai” (Korean towns). In spite of these difficulties, many Koreans managed to find success inJapan through hard work and determination.
The discrimination against Koreans continued after the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. Many Koreans were forced to migrate to Japan as Japanese citizens and were once again subjected to various forms of discrimination such as being denied citizenship rights and being forced to use Japanese names.
The most recent manifestation of this discrimination took place in Okinawa where the Japanese government decided to build a new military base despite strong opposition from the local population. The construction of this base has led to an increase in racism and xenophobia against Koreans living in Okinawa.
3. 2 The human rights committee
In 2003, the United Nations human rights committee released a report which stated that the Zainichi are subjectedto “widespread and systematic” discriminationin Japan. The report also found thatthe Japanese government has failedto protectthe human rights of the Zainichi.
The human rights committee’s report was based on testimony from Zainichi activists who spoke about their experiencesof racismanddiscriminationin Japan. They also spoke about their lackof access toopportunitiesfor social and economic advancement. In 2004, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which urgedthe Japanese governmentto take steps toy improvethe situationof the Zainichi. However, little progress has been made since then and the Zainichi continueto facediscriminationand exclusionin Japanese society.
3. 3 Okinawa
The most recent manifestation of discrimination against the Korean minority in Japan took place in Okinawa. In 2016, the Japanese government decided to build a new military base in the Henoko district of Okinawa despite strong opposition from the local population. The construction of this base has led to an increase in racism and xenophobia against Koreans living in Okinawa.
Many Koreans have been forced to leave Okinawa as a result of the discrimination they have faced. This has led to a decline in the Korean population in Okinawa from 14,000 in 2010 to 9,000 in 2016.
4. Conclusion
The Korean minority has a long history in Japan dating back to the 7th century. However, they have faced a lot of discrimination and exclusion throughout this time. The most recent manifestation of this discrimination took place in Okinawa where the Japanese government decided to build a new military base despite strong opposition from the local population. This has led to an increase in racism and xenophobia against Koreans living in Okinawa.