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Husbands aghast at wives' infatuation with rightwing causes

90 Comments

One evening, 51-year-old salaryman Hisashi Ito (a pseudonym) and his wife were relaxing in front of their livingroom TV, watching the sports news. Suddenly his wife spat out the word "zainichi" in a voice tinged with contempt.

"Zainichi," literally "in Japan," means ethnic Koreans who live in Japan. Many were born in Japan, but maintain their North or South Korean citizenship, holding the status of special permanent residents.

"I was thinking, 'What the hell…,'" Ito tells Shukan Gendai (March 8). "I could tell she didn't say it in jest, and from the sheer unpleasant tone of her voice I didn't know how to respond, so I just remained silent."

Up to that point, Ito and his wife had never once broached the topic of Japan's Korean minority. Considering it coming out as they sat quietly in their living room, he felt her words were "overly harsh."

Mrs Ito had quit her part-time job six months earlier, and except for shopping, seldom leaves their house. That gave her more time to spend online, and as often as not, upon his return from work, Ito would walk in to find his missus tapping away at the keyboard.

"Might she not be falling under the influence of the so-called 'netto-uyo' (rightwing activists on the web), that have become a social problem recently?" Ito wondered. "I figured when I'm not home, she might be logging on. But on the other hand, I'm hesitant to caution her about it."

"The activities of these 'netto-uyo' can't be called patriotic," says Kunio Suzuki, chief adviser to the Issuikai, a right wing group. "It's xenophobia." Suzuki also had this to say about growing numbers of females flocking to "netto-uyo" causes.

"Up to now, housewives never became involved in right-wing causes. But recently men have asked me, 'My wife (or girlfriend) has become a 'netto-uyo.' What should I do?' They spend their days typing in anti-Chinese or anti-Korean posts on websites and go so far as to tell our kids, 'Don't buy Korean products' or 'Don't listen to K-POP.' It's got me concerned."

Over five years ago, Kanagawa resident Norio Takahashi (also a pseudonym), age 53 and his wife, 54, became addicted to the Internet. For some time now, he's felt his wife was talking strangely.

"About two years ago, my wife began complaining regularly about the plethora of Korean dramas on NHK (which she incorrectly described as a government-run broadcaster -- it's a public corporation). Then last year, things escalated, and while watching news broadcasts of anti-Japanese demonstrations in South Korea, she blurted out 'Koreans are nuts!' or 'Isn't the Asahi Shimbun fabricating the stories about the comfort women or Nanjing massacre?' or 'People who drive Hyundai cars in Japan can't possibly be Japanese.'"

It gradually dawned on him that his wife was picking up weird new political views from the "netto-uyo" sites.

The people who flock to these sites have been stereotyped as being socially withdrawn, low-income "otaku" (geeks) who spend all their time at home in front of their computers, but this image seems to have changed.

"That's the way it was maybe 10 years ago, when they posted mostly on 2-channel boards," says a journalist who covers information technology. "But now most of the commenters on Yahoo News are people around age 40, 30 to 40% of who are probably female."

Licca Kayama, a clinical psychiatrist often quoted in the media who adopted the nom de plume of Japan's Barbie doll, tells Shukan Gendai, "The housewives I've encountered who have been drawn to the 'netto-uyo' are serious types and hard workers. But they have the sentiment that 'I do my best but am unappreciated.' They feel their lives are boring. From thinking 'There's something wrong with society,' this leads them to 'The media's not reporting the truth,' and while these matters have no direct bearing on their lives, they become agitated."

When Dr Kayama asked one women who took part in rightwing activities, "What would you do if Japan brought back military conscription?" she was startled to hear the reply, "I would gladly offer both my son and my husband. There's nothing greater than total devotion to one's country."

Well gentlemen, if you're on the ball, Shukan Gendai advises its male readers, you better start paying a little closer attention to what your wives are saying.

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

90 Comments
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“I would gladly offer both my son and my husband. There’s nothing greater than total devotion to one’s country.”

Sorry love but you've got that wrong. Total devotion means you offer yourself, not someone else.

69 ( +72 / -3 )

I am not surprised to read about this. I had (had) a good Japanese friend who went off the deep end when she lost her job and started hanging around 2-channel netto-uyo forums. It was as if she'd lost her mind. It got to the stage that you couldn't even comment about the weather without her going off on some bizarre, hissy anti-Zainichi rant. Sometimes I enjoyed winding her up for the entertainment value, but after a while it got boring.

Ah well, the devil, idle hands and all that.

40 ( +44 / -4 )

‘Don’t listen to K-POP.’

Not bad advice, actually.

35 ( +45 / -10 )

Bitching about other nationalities is not doing anything constructive for yourself or your country. Those people really need to get a life.

21 ( +22 / -1 )

Couple of great comments here. Definitely sounds like women with too much time and too little social interaction. Add to this the media whipping up a storm and presto, you have manufactured a fascist in suburbia.

20 ( +20 / -0 )

A lot of it also I think lies in the fact not so much that these women are unappeciated (which they most likely are), but rather that they have an innate desire to lay blame somewhere. It's normal human nature to find fault when something is going wrong, and the fact is that many Japanese, especially those in the age ranges reported, feel like the wheels are coming off the wagon, so to speak. They know they've busted their asses for a long time, most if not all of their adult lives really, and yet, Japan keeps declining.

The natural inclination of people in situations like this is to lay blame. And it is easier to lay blame on an outside source rather than an internal source. It is easily shown how many of the problems in Japan are of internal Japanese manufacture, especially the amukudari system and the plethora of oyajii who, born in the 20th century, try to run Japan like it's the 19th century, meanwhile the rest of the world is in the 21st century.

It's difficult for these netto-uyo to accept the blame that, while they may have worked very hard, they didn't work smart, and didn't develop the skills and abilities (such as critical thinking, originality, and international perspectives) that are keys for economies in the digital age. They don't want to accept or lay the blame internally that Japan is stuck in a 1970's economic structure, dependent on economic trade situations that are no longer present.

Instead, it is easier to lay the blame externally. Blame the Koreans, blame the Chinese, the Russians, whoever is easiest to lay blame on. Considering the long running East Asia pissing contest that has been going, on and off, for roughly 1000 years, well, the target is rather easy.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

When Abe brings back conscription it must apply equally to both men and women. Instead of sitting around all day reading fascist claptrap those stay at home housewives will be able to enjoy crawling in the mud and being shouted at. Then they will be sent off to invade China and give their lives for the emperor. They will die with the comforting thought that Abe will pray for their souls at Yasukuni.

As his wife seems rather soft in the head, Mr Ito should change his router settings to redirect the fascist sites to pictures of kittens.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

The Daily Mail syndrome - being infatuated with what daytime TV and large-print papers tell you to.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

StormR@Did you read the article? Shukan Gendai is clearly of the view that the netto uyo phenomenon and xenophobia are not good for Japan. That said, it's a major news story in the Japanese mainstream press and on TV -- Tokyo Shimbun has run four full pages about the topic so far this week alone. You know, I'm often disappointed by the posters in here who think the correct response to this ugly phenomenon is to shoot the messenger. JT is doing a fine job of telling it like it is, and does not deserve accusations of incitement.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

YuriOtani: the Koreans really hate all Japanese

No. This is not true at all. It is dangerous and hateful to make such sweeping generalizations about all the people of a country.

I have many Japanese friends. I have many Korean friends. They get along and like each other. I hope you can make friends with some more international people to understand this better!

16 ( +21 / -5 )

Well said Cleo. Funny how she offers ups her son and husband but not herself...

The rise of right wing thinking seriously has me concered.

13 ( +20 / -7 )

I firmly believe that the growing number of idiotic, anti-international moves by the Japanese government happens largely due to the widespread acceptance of xenophobia among the general public. When the average person on the street doesn't object to racist talk - or worse, as this article suggests, DOES the racist talk - then that gets reflected by the national government. Want to see a stop to the growing anti-Korean, anti-Chinese agenda of some of the political extremists in prominent government positions? Then stop tolerating hate speech in everyday life.

13 ( +16 / -4 )

This is ignorance...

9 ( +10 / -1 )

and presto, you have manufactured a fascist in suburbia.

Best. Rock band. Name. Ever. (except I'd have to make it plural)

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Funny, same thing is happening in US with Fox news and talk radio. People going off the deep end.

Really it should be monitored by the government but this current government draws support from the rightists in Japan.

No doubting the influence of the media on people's minds, especially the weaker types out there.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

If Abe brought back conscription, it would be hilarious!

I can imagine platoons of effeminate metro-sexual "men" crying after their neatly preened hair is shaved off, and they have been forced to go a week on 3 hours sleep.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Stupid bunch of woman. Instead of going for shameful xenophobic behaviors, they should better fight for more freedom and rights for women in Japan. Women in Japan are miserable in terms of equality in rights with men, this is for what they should spend their energy for, not going after racist statements against Koreans.

Hypocrites....

8 ( +11 / -3 )

I firmly believe that the growing number of idiotic, anti-international moves by the Japanese government happens largely due to the widespread acceptance of xenophobia among the general public. When the average person on the street doesn't object to racist talk - or worse, as this article suggests, DOES the racist talk - then that gets reflected by the national government. Want to see a stop to the growing anti-Korean, anti-Chinese agenda of some of the political extremists in prominent government positions? Then stop tolerating hate speech in everyday life.

Well said. I have no idea how many times I have been told that racism and discrimination isn't a problem in Japan. When I roll out my personal stories, I get looks of shock. When I point out I am white so at least get a positive/negative balance and to think about how someone black or brown may be treated...

7 ( +15 / -8 )

'Both right and left now hate Korea and Koreans.' Xenophobic, insular people hate Koreans. Those types tend to be too stupid to know the difference between right and left.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

On the other hand, how many of these women would love to have an affair with a handsome Korean film or music star?

7 ( +12 / -5 )

'the Koreans really hate all Japanese and this includes the people of Okinawa.'

A textbook example of nationalist thinking. Making sweeping generalizations about the feelings of an entire population and making sure that you know you, all of you, are on the receiving end of hatred. Tamogami treated us to something similar the other day in outlining the character of two nations.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

My Japanese girlfriend works all day every day but is still pretty right wing.....

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Hating other people is just a way of expressing hating yourself.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

they have the sentiment that ‘I do my best but am unappreciated.’ They feel their lives are boring. From thinking ‘There’s something wrong with society,’ this leads them to ‘The media’s not reporting the truth,’ and while these matters have no direct bearing on their lives, they become agitated.”

I would sooner attribute a greater portion of all this to a base desire to feel superior to some other people. It certainly explains the sentiments about the Zainichi just as it explains the old treatment of the burakkumin. It also explains the sentiments about Koreans, and even who drives what car. Some people just cannot get through the day without seeing some sort of pecking order and seeing themselves somewhere toward the middle at least.

Its a key pull for right wingers, They are all as low as one can be without being a bum or a criminal. So they band together and point fingers and invent scapegoats to try and make themselves appear higher up in the pecking order. Its pathetic, just as they are.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

tmarie: if you don't like it, you know what to do. It's your choice to live here isn't it? I personally think that all the good things about Japan easily outweigh the bad. So I can't vote, so what? I've never voted in my life and have no intention of doing so. I'm a permanent resident so can do pretty much whatever Iike within the law. I'm happy being a gaijin in Japan and would never change my nationality. Got my own house, own business, lovely wife, two little boys. Life is sweet.

Your proud of not voting? Yikes.

It is my choice to be here but just because I am here doesn't mean I should have to deal with racial discrimination nor accept it. Would you tell a black person in your home country to go back to Africa if they complained about racism? One shouldn't have to be a particular nationality to be their human rights protected.

As for changing my nationality, no thanks. A Japanese passport isn't going to change my face nor my racial features so I'd still deal with the comments - as do the Chinese and Koreans who live here who look exactly the same as the locals.

I do not see why voicing concern about racism and discrimination should be met with a "If you don't like it, go home" comments. That's just ignorance and something that should never be said to anyone regardless of country, background... If you folks are okay with being treated less than equal, great. However, many, including thrid generation Koreans and Chinese aren't and shouldn't have to deal with this crap in this day and age.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

Well, actually, it does! I'm not condoning it, and I've had my share of it having lived in Japan for years, but there is very little you can do about it because noone wants to know. It's just something you have to accept (and if you really want to accept it you need to learn to deny it) if you decide to live in Japan. You're bashing your head against a brick wall trying to fight it. If you went to certain Middle-eastern countries, you would be expected to wear a head-scarf, by law, just for being female. Would you do so, or would you protest, given that penalties could be severe? It may be unfair, but if you want to go to those places you just have to suck it up. Same with Japan.

Yeah..not quite.. Wearing a Hijab is compulsory by LAW in some middle eastern countries. Japan, despite not having many laws to protect against discrimination, ratified the U.N. "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination" in which foreigners have successfully sued discriminatory practices. The former is required by law, the latter is an illegal act. So no, saying either going back to your country if you don't like it or sucking it up because your rights are being violated is not a valid excuse for a country that agreed to implement the convention.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

"There's nothing greater than total devotion to one's country" Sounds like a North Korean thing.

Ohhhhh, North Koreans, eh? Looks to me like you just added a modicum of proof that the article may be true!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

This report also points to the lack of communication between people - people are entitled to their opinions, but I want to know where someone's values lie before before becoming firm friends or, indeed, lifetime partners!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I haven't had a job for a while now too and have come to this site. I better get off it quick or who knows what will happen. I may start thinking crazy thoughts like: 'Asian countries are excessively racist and have a lot of problem dealing honestly with their respective histories'.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

The wife of a friend of mine has gone this way.

She is absolutely convinced that Naoto Kan is a Korean, and that he made the Fukushima disaster happen in order to destroy Japan.

When he pointed out that Naoto Kan had demanded that TEPCO officials remain at their post and not abandon the site (which would have caused even greater destruction), she replied with, "where did you read this? Asahi Shinbun? It's a Korean newspaper. They hate Japan too"

He now studiously avoids discussing the news with her, because she immediately starts being deranged.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

Newsflash:

Japan's Right Wing Idiots Are Coming Out of the Woodwork

6 ( +7 / -1 )

@homleand-as opposed to J-pop which is just as bad and less popular internationally ..I've traveled throughout Asia and the youth in other Asian countries love K-pop , most don't even know or care what J- pop is..

5 ( +11 / -6 )

I think we can easily find a few good examples of xenophobia from some of the comments. You know, the ones that are pro Japan no matter the situation. True colours shining bright when you are hidden or in Japanese groups.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

People like the wife in this article are just plain scary. And I see a lot of similar people in Japan these days. It's clear that they have learned since the war in my opinion. Where is this country heading? The racism in this country is rather widespread and they truly have a problem with it, but are in complete denial.

Furthermore, if there really was an outbreak of war, I think their attitudes would change really quickly.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

not hard to figure. lonely people without hope, bitter, are going to hate on those that are the easiest target and most different from them. ironically, it's the people around them and most similar that are the direct cause of agitation. how many mainland chinese and koreans have these people met? compare that to the under appreciation they feel from "their own people"

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The negative campaign by Koreans is bearing poisonous fruits in Japan now.

@CH3CHO - I see.

I will make a mental note, "Japan can never do any wrong, and Korea is the root of everything that is wrong with Japan".

5 ( +11 / -6 )

HongoTAFEinmate

.......... Add to this the media whipping up a storm...................

Most certainly the media is whipping up a storm and they are loving the subject, especially this site in particular.

Korea and china have become the hot topics on this site and JT does not miss a chance, many other places do not have the same infatuation.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

so.... how did this article make news? husband decided to rant about his wife to the media? lol

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Stupidity on the Internet is nothing new. These husbands should have the courage to say something to their wives. Scapegoating is nothing new but it knows no bounds on the web among like-minded sad individuals who all feel better together.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I've never met any Japanese who say things like "There's nothing greater than total devotion to one's country" Sounds like a North Korean thing.

No Tina! It is a Japan thing. For some Japanese, committing suicide is the preserving the honor , patriotism and pride. Many J girls dream about their, boy friend husband or son exploded as many pieces as zero pilots. It was for devoting the emperor and nation during WWII. Recently there was a controversy about comment from high profile woman.

http://japandailypress.com/nhk-manager-praises-right-wing-extremists-1993-ritual-suicide-0543698/

4 ( +7 / -3 )

They're no different than the far left and far right in the USA. I like to call them "conspiracy theory" people.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The people who flock to these sites have been stereotyped as being socially withdrawn, low-income "otaku" (geeks) who spend all their time at home in front of their computers

That's amusing as that's the same with right wingers in the US. Natural characteristics I guess

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Even the Japanese elementary school kids I teach openly admit in front of their teachers that they hate Koreans and Chinese. Never seen a Japanese teacher reprimand a student over this.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Recall early 20th century where Tokyo and Beijing were international cities with lots of foreigners then it turned on a dime. Could happen again if US leaves.

something tells me i'm gonna have to keep flying under the radar

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Im just wondering why she quit her part time job 6 months ago and hasnt yet found another one!

On top of that - does anyone else find it totally hilarious that this woman said she would offer up her husband and son, but nothing of herself?! Obviously a looper to start with.

tmarie - hello again! Yes - I get the shocked looks too when I roll out my stories. I was just wondering if, when as I am sure you do, you tell them the bit about how everyone around you just put their heads own and ignored the situation you are telling them about, they respond with "well I would have said something/done something!" And yet, time after time, nobody does. Are we just incredibly lucky to know the few Japanese who would "do something" if they saw active racism in action??!

I could write a book on the Japanese female psyche. In fact, I plan to do just that at some point. But what I am finding particularly fascinating about this article is that this is the same sex and age bracket of the people who not so long ago were reported as being obsessed with Korean romantic daytime TV dramas. Remember that Korean guy? Forget his name now (Pe Jong Il maybe? who was mobbed by Japanese women of a certain age whenever he flew through Narita? How interesting that J women in their 40s-50s are split into such extreme groups.

One things for sure, this country and culture never gets boring!

2 ( +9 / -7 )

I don't know what she meant unless I read her whole text in original Japanese. I don't know where you live but most Japanese are not nationalists.

@tinawatanabe - You seem nationalistic enough, if your comments are anything to go by.

If you don't realize that you don't live in Japan long enough. You have to understand Japanese language in native level to understand what Japanese are talking about in TV.

Ah, the "you don't understand Japanese culture" argument. Textbook stuff.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Even the Japanese elementary school kids I teach openly admit in front of their teachers that they hate Koreans and Chinese. Never seen a Japanese teacher reprimand a student over this.

I worked next to a classroom where I overheard the teacher (young, Japanese, female) telling her students that she hated China. I like to think that she was a rarity, though. These days many urban schools in Japan have students from all ethnicities. Japan is no longer as homogenous as people believe, and that's a good thing.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yuri, suggest ALL Koreans and Chinese is just as stupid as saying all Japanese hate Korean and Chinese. Oh and Okinawans are Japanese. You don't need to bring it up time and time again!

NathalieB, usually the reaction is shock and then changing the subject. I have no idea how many people I have told off for "O me te na shi"ing me and how great Japan is with welcoming others into the country. The thing is, many do believe we have the same rights and freedoms as the locals. When you tell them you can't vote, aren't included on the same family reg as the rest of the family, have to carry around an alien card... they are very shocked. And then change the subject. It doesn't affect them so what do they care? Yes, same crap "home" but at least at "home" there are anti-racism laws and the like. Here? Second class citizens.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

If Abe brought back conscription, it would be hilarious!

Probie, I seem to remember a couple of decades ago when Japanese forces took part in PKO for the first time. I can't remember where in the world they were posted, but they had quite a hard time coping with the heat and dust, and they complained openly about it. The PM at the time (don't remember who he was, but hey this is Japan!) was excruciatingly embarrassed, and basically told them to shut up and quit being a bunch of babies. And yes, it really was hilarious! Anyone else remember this?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

From thinking ‘There’s something wrong with society,’ this leads them to ‘The media’s not reporting the truth,’ and while these matters have no direct bearing on their lives, they become agitated.

Good point. One of the primary reasons why people does not listen to media is that it is already too mainstream; and at worst cases, one cannot even consider those things as news. That's why people tend to go to the internet to look for stuff that matters, leading them to netto-uyo sites.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

convinced that Naoto Kan is a Korean, and that he made the Fukushima disaster happen in order to destroy Japan.

I had not heard that one. That's clear, his name is Kan... Is it related with the tale about the Nasa creating the tsunami and shaking the tectonic places on purpose ?

have you ever been to a historic place where Japan committed an atrocity?

Like Tokyo ?

how many of these women would love to have an affair with a handsome Korean film or music star?

That's the plan. Rain and Yon-sama would be forced to work as "comfort men" for the uyo-shufu.

They're no different than the far left and far right in the USA.

Sadly, there are such trends in most countries. My great-grand-parents and grand-parents went through respectively 3 and 2 nationalistic hatred wars, then they fought another way, to build Europe so we could live an era beyond nationalism and wars... And now we get an idle bourgeoise running for elections as a hardcore nationalist. Couldn't we find a way to put them all together, maybe in South Pole and let them fight WW3 themselves there ?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

This is a backlash against many years of hatred shown by the Peoples Republic of China and Korea. It seems every time I turn on the TV there is yet another flag burning demonstration. House wife's watch a lot of TV and after years become afraid of Chinese and Koreans.

@YuriOtani - So when Japanese people hate Koreans it's because the poor dears had no choice but to hate them because of all the protests by Koreans? Why do you think the same can't be said of Koreans? The anti-Korea protests in Tokyo were headline stuff last year.

Here's a video of Japanese nationalists defacing a Korean flag.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDLTPCidHmc

And here's one of Korea-hate march in Japan. I'm sure you're aware this took place many times last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-n3XBz-fig

But I'm sure that won't change your position that Koreans are at fault for everything.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

tmarie: if you don't like it, you know what to do. It's your choice to live here isn't it? I personally think that all the good things about Japan easily outweigh the bad. So I can't vote, so what? I've never voted in my life and have no intention of doing so. I'm a permanent resident so can do pretty much whatever Iike within the law. I'm happy being a gaijin in Japan and would never change my nationality. Got my own house, own business, lovely wife, two little boys. Life is sweet.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

From the above article:

I figured when Im not home, she might be logging on. But on the other hand, Im hesitant to caution her about it.

Dude, she quit her job six months ago and now sits around at home on your dime. Caution away! Your house, your rules.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Seriously wish there was an edit funtion.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The story as well as the comments are disturbing to hear.. so many posters who personally know someone who has become neto-uyo.

I always thought Abe was voted into power for his economic credentials and people overlooked his right-wing nationalistic agenda, but maybe I was wrong.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

This is evidence of the rise of Statism. There is a woman named Yoko Maeda, who lives in Fukuoka, Japan. She has a Youtube channel named randomyoko2. On this channel, she vents about everything political, but mostly claims that the Japanese are victims of past wars and of the misinformation of other races and nations.

She broke up with her American boyfriend and has decided to devote her time to promoting Japanese strength and unity.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I see this a different way. My guess, the husband(s) are lacking in emotional intimacy, and the wives are looking for alternatives. And let's agree, NOTHING whips up the emotions more like a good propaganda piece, or a sports event, which women might not care for.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

How does this impact western foreigners in Japan? Are things getting worse or more dangerous for them too?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Yuri I understand how you feel. Koreans and Japanese and Chinese have to somewhere stop this. Burning flags etc does nothing to help anything.

What's interesting is how the internet should be a great vehicle for understanding and education but it often has the opposite effect. Esp, if you only "research" in one language. If you search in the Japanese language for WW2 related things, you'll probably end up sitting in a black truck or supporting them.

But, I can die and go to heaven now after reading Cleo's magnificent one liner. That was not only funny, but so true.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This husband blames the right wing blogs for poisoning his wife's mind, but it could well be a deeper problem of xenophobic nature that is becoming a larger part of the Japanese mind and heart, in 2014.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Now he knows what it's like to be visitor to the JT comment boards. I experienced the same shock about such right-wing bigotry towards Korea and China after seeing comments on this site. Like some have asserted this news site attracts a lot of such people. I believe it's a reflection of internal conflict expressed towards others, but hell what do I know.

But sorry to say it's not just a select weird section of society; I work with Japanese police and a few weeks ago one police officer said he had a particularly difficult homeless person in his area to which an older colleague responded without any hint of jest, "kill him".

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I point out that Koreans also demonstrate against the USA and burn their flag as well. So how do you feel when you see the flag of your country being disrespected?

I feel just fine, thanks. There are disrespectful idiots in every country. No need to get angry over it and start a bitter hatred towards that country.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Shocking.

It seems to me that there has been a rise in right-wing bloggers in America, as well.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Right or left, question everything.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Cleo You need to make a Tshirt or a coffee mug with this on it.

"I would gladly offer both my son and my husband. There’s nothing greater than total devotion to one’s country.” "Sorry love but you've got that wrong. Total devotion means you offer yourself, not someone else."

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Honey.....HOW COULD YOU?!?!?!?"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

**"If X brutalizes Y, Y hates back X. Japan brutalized and stole from Korea for centuries.."

"In any case, Japanese asked for it. Who on earth would like those who assaulted and exploited you?"

"After all, it seems that Japanese lies have continued to keep Koreans angry."

"Still there has to be a reason for this enmity in the first place."**

There, CHO3CHO, virgo98, YuriOtani, I fixed it for you.^^

Before you point fingers at the Koreans and Chinese who loathe Japan, you should ask yourselves what Japan did to Korea and China to engender such hostility, eh? Oh, and since you Japan-apologists brought up the Buddha statue thing, it should be mentioned that Koreans have been asking for years for the return of the estimated 200,000 artifacts, artworks and records stolen by Japan over 35 years of looting in Korea. And I can't believe I'm having to teach you folks that chiding Korean companies for getting their start by copying stuff made in Japan, while ignoring the fact Japan has copied pretty much everything from the west -- from basic institutions and practices in Meiji times right down to specific products today, is the uttermost hypocrisy. And of course, now that South Korea is enjoying the fruits of its climb up the ladder, products are beginning to appear in Japan that are clearly copied after Korean products.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

K-pop and Korean dramas are Korean goverement backed , and that all started in 1994 with president Kim Young-sam with idea of making cultural and media production as country's strategic export industry .

I quote wikipedia

In 1994,South Korea's Ministry of Culture set up a cultural industry bureau to develop its media sector. Many large business conglomerates and chaebols were also encouraged to expand into the film and media sector.

An at that same time, Japan media were still under ban in Korea ( the reason behind this is simple, they feared the infuence of Japan culture on Koreans, and with that, fearing of weakening anti Japan sentiment in Korea)

Also, I want to show you how they , in time when Japan media was under ban, copied from Japan and used as something they made it http://sgcafe.com/2013/12/korean-rip-offs-classic-japanese-anime-manga-doraemon-astro-boy-pokemon-one-piece/ And also, want to show you how something that they steal is now their national symbol, stealing the look of Mazinger Z for Taekwoo V , and then using that in anti Japan bashing commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFG1pGKUSMQ

And then it comes the year when they had to lift ban on Japan media in 1998 , because of the pressure of USA

Now quote also from wikipedia

According to The New York Times, South Korea's restriction of cultural imports from its former colonial ruler Japan was finally lifted in 1998. Worried about the inpending "onslaught" of Japanese movies, comics and J-pop (Japanese pop), the South Korean Ministry of Culture made a request for a substantial budget increase which allowed it to set up 300 cultural industry departments in colleges and universities nationwide

So, as you can see, Korean government feared the impact of Japan media on their citizens ( specially feared of positive view of Japan people in Korea )

And one part of preventing Japan media entering Korea is dominating Japan market, and thats why they send most of their groups in Japan. They tried to totally dominate Japan market and to eliminate Japan music . Same as dramas.

how many of these women would love to have an affair with a handsome Korean film or music star?

Thats just dream, because Koreans only marry Koreans, they like pure blood, and for proof, in Korea military , that is also the one that every single man has to go in their lifetime in Korea,and even K-pop stars , had a law that prevented people with mixed blood to enter the army ( this law is rulled down in 2011 ), I hope you now understand that most of things they say is lie, all those fangirs are screaming for nothing , because , Korean star will always to merry Korean girl .

While in Japan , lots of celebrities are with mixed blood, and some of them you cant even recognize that they got Japan blood , so , mixed Japan nation vs pure Korean one .

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

The Takeshima dispute has fanned already tense flames, made worse by the unlikeliness of any resolution. Unlike the Senkaku dispute, the opposing parties are both under US protection; there's almost no chance of an incident that will result in war, therefore each feel they can fan the flames with impunity.

I see this becoming a self-reinforcing problem so long as there's bad relations with Korea. And while I don't pretend to know as much about Korean politics as Japanese, it seems that the Koreans really don't want good relations with Japan, no matter the concessions made. Just as with the PRC.

As a side not, a potential threat I see is that, should the North Korean government ever fall, the South will switch to the PRC sphere of influence to facilitate the North's annexation.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Mitch CohenMar. 05, 2014 - 08:41PM JST

I will make a mental note, "Japan can never do any wrong, and Korea is the root of everything that is wrong with Japan".

I am not saying so.

What do you think of Sea of Japan, East Sea dispute, which I think is the most stupid international dispute ever? Korean Government insists the name Sea of Japan is one of the wrongdoings of Japan during the annexation period. Historical facts show the sea was called the Sea of Japan in English well before 1910 when Japan annexed Korea. What kind of influence, do you think, this negative campaign will have on ordinary Japanese citizens?

Korean government use misinformation strategy too easily. I even suspect that Korean government does so intentionally to let Japanese find misinformation and to make reconciliation impossible.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

This is common beiief in Japan that they are superior. The most Japanese would rather starve then open the immigration policy to neighboring countries. Do you think it is possible for Japanese people to judge by themselves? Can you judge opposite of the knowledge that you learned in school? The education of school and textbooks influence young students significantly who are forming critical thinking abilities formulating experiences and knowledge. it even surpasses our imagination. The ultimate center of collide and controversy of Asia is the twisted historical knowledge. How can peace be kept when Japanese people are all brainwashed with ridiculous fakes?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Mitch Cohen never said they were 100 percent at fault. As for the U tube videos shows Japan has its trouble makers as well. Still there has to be a reason for this backlash. Also FYI I would never join one of these groups. Their actions reflect poorly on themselves and Nippon.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

After all, it seems that Korean lies have enraged Japanese women.

Those who liked K-pop or Korean dramas studied about Korea and noticed they had been deceived. Koreans lied about the comfort women ignoring Yan Kon Shu during the Korean War or what Korean soldiers did in Vietnam, they do not give back the stolen budda statue, they ignore the treaty between the two countries and keep demanding compensation, disgracing Japan abroad, doing demonstration in front of Japanese embassy in Seoul violating the Geneva Convention, sometimes throwing cr*p, etc., etc., and keep blaming Japan ignoring what they are doing nasty.

Japanese women seem to be gentle, but they are tough and lethal weapon in a meaning. Women decide what to buy, or where to travel, in the family. They have power more than you know. If they have decided to hate something, they will definitely do so. You will see.

But, Japanese husbands are no exception. When the wives still love Korean things, they are now criticized by their husbands, and they are something like hidden Christians in Edo period, I heard.

In any case, Koreans asked for it. Who on earth would like those who hate you?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Ah, the "monolingual 'Korean' who left Asia at the first opportunity with a persecution fantasy" making stuff up argument. Textbook stuff.

Japanese don't give a stuff about Korea, Koreans are obsessed about Japan, anyone who has spent time in both countries knows this and the trolling on the internet won't change a thing.

Whilst Japanese ultra nationalists are very unpleasant people I must give them credit for actually living in Japan. The South Korean ultra nationalists seem very reluctant to live in their land of milk and honey....could it be that defending Korea on the internet is preferable to spending 26 months freezing your balls off on the DMZ?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

tamanegiMar. 07, 2014 - 09:43AM JST

Even the Japanese elementary school kids I teach openly admit in front of their teachers that they hate Koreans and Chinese. Never seen a Japanese teacher reprimand a student over this.

During 1970s and 1980s, when I was a child, teachers scolded anyone who speak ill of other people. They probably do not do so any more for Koreans, after looking at their behavior of spreading lies, such as "People called it "East Sea" for 2000 years untill Japan annexed Korea," or "Comfort women were drafted."

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Mitch Cohen

You seem nationalistic enough, if your comments are anything to go by

Chinese and Koreans often call Japanese nationalists or right-wing militalists. Very funny.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

You may be surprised about how often it happens that there's a group of younger Koreans or Chinese on a train and they are noisy and when a Japanese nearby gives them a critical look they start to mock about them loudly in their own language. Happened to some friends a few times. In this light I can understand if somebody at home suddenly spouts "zainishi".

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

It's hard to believe what this article says. I've never met any Japanese who say things like "There's nothing greater than total devotion to one's country" Sounds like a North Korean thing.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

@GalapagosnoGairaishu

You probably don't understand what TV is talking about when it's about North Korea if you critisize me like that. And I did not critisize North Korea.

@Athlets

I don't know what she meant unless I read her whole text in original Japanese. I don't know where you live but most Japanese are not nationalists. If you don't realize that you don't live in Japan long enough. You have to understand Japanese language in native level to understand what Japanese are talking about in TV.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

This is a backlash against many years of hatred shown by the Peoples Republic of China and Korea. It seems every time I turn on the TV there is yet another flag burning demonstration. House wife's watch a lot of TV and after years become afraid of Chinese and Koreans. I point out that Koreans also demonstrate against the USA and burn their flag as well. So how do you feel when you see the flag of your country being disrespected?

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

Mitch CohenMar. 05, 2014 - 06:34PM JST

I agree. The growing Japanese hatred against Korea and Koreans is very worrisome. The negative campaign by Koreans is bearing poisonous fruits in Japan now.

-9 ( +7 / -16 )

@tmarie

It is my choice to be here but just because I am here doesn't mean I should have to deal with racial discrimination nor accept it.

Well, actually, it does! I'm not condoning it, and I've had my share of it having lived in Japan for years, but there is very little you can do about it because noone wants to know. It's just something you have to accept (and if you really want to accept it you need to learn to deny it) if you decide to live in Japan. You're bashing your head against a brick wall trying to fight it. If you went to certain Middle-eastern countries, you would be expected to wear a head-scarf, by law, just for being female. Would you do so, or would you protest, given that penalties could be severe? It may be unfair, but if you want to go to those places you just have to suck it up. Same with Japan.

@NathalieB

Remember that Korean guy? Forget his name now (Pe Jong Il maybe? who was mobbed by Japanese women of a certain age whenever he flew through Narita?

Sure it wasn't Kim Jong Il?

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

"The activities of these 'netto-uyo' can't be called patriotic," says Kunio Suzuki, chief adviser to the Issuikai, a right wing group. "It's xenophobia."

Well said. What we see here in Japan is rapidly growing hate against Korea and Koreans. It is not right wing or left wing. Both right and left now hate Korea and Koreans.

Emotion is emotion. If X hates Y, Y hates back X. Koreans hated Japan for the last 100 years. The hate was not much reported in Japan until recently, and even if reported, the media trimmed the hate to make it not too explicit. Now, with the development of internet, a lot of Japanese see the naked hate by Koreans.

The human relationship is either love-love or hate-hate. Emotion is emotion especially for Japanese wom,,. I should stop here.

-17 ( +5 / -22 )

CH3CH0, the Koreans really hate all Japanese and this includes the people of Okinawa. Like the Peoples Republic of China they want Japan to be punished even more than the Pacific War. My last trip to the Republic of Korea was painful at best. As for the Japanese when have you ever seen the leaders of the Republic of Korea effigies burn or their flag? So now house wife's are turning against Korea. What do you expect each action produces an equal counteraction.

-21 ( +4 / -25 )

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