Japan cash handout discriminated against Korean students: U.N. experts

I agree with the school being excluded from the cash handout program. Korea University is directly funded by the North Korean government. As such, why should they benefit from the cash handout program?

If the university is allowed to exist then there should be no discriminations. Koreans work and pay taxes too. There are hundreds of private universities.

Agreed.

Korea University is NOT a university accredited by the Japanese authorities. It is categorized as a vocational or "special" school. Students of these schools have been excluded from state financial programs, regardless of students' nationality or ethnic background.

It may make sense if the experts are to address the relative lack of support on schools in general. Claiming the Japanese state is discriminating against Korean schools is totally wrong, full of misunderstanding.

Didn't that school always revered and idolize their north korea leader? Why don't they ask him for some handout then?

What kind of world are we in when people demand cash handout. So if i am not paying everyone, i am considered a racist?

These Zainichi Koreans own special permanent residence permits. How come UN experts has not ever pointed out that it is discrimination against other foreign residents

That is the NK University for people who revere their Dear Leader Kim. They even have his pic up in each classroom with the NK flag. Can't Kim send some money to help support his unlicensed "University" here in Japan? He sure gave money to his government owned NK restaurants in Thailand to keep them from going out of business.

‘Selective’ administration of benefits: Unfair and racist!

If the money wasn’t given out fairly, then where did it go?

In North America, “scheme” always has more dubious connotations, very similar to a “*Scam**”, *but broader in scope, more elaborate and requiring some cunning execution.

*- “The letter was sent to the govt in Feb, and a month later the financial aid scheme ended. But Japan ignored the experts' views at that time, denying the claim in April that the scheme, which no longer existed, had discriminated against such minority students.” -*

So, “Yes”. Many of Japanese government policies & plans, the above as well as “GoToTravel/Eat” etc, could be viewed as elaborate “schemes”. All are subject to abuse by unfair administration, external graft and internal corruption as well as periodic yet possible “scams” by some undeserving recipients.

What's the point subsidizing anti-Japan schools who has been sending such fund directly to North Korea rather than spending for the students.

What? Listen to the U.N. about some zainichi students at a "university" not accredited by Japanese authorities, but just happens to revere and idolize Kim Jong Un? I find that hilarious because the U.N. couldn't find its way out of a wet paper bag. I say ignore their nonsense.

And the other side of the coin? Have all Japanese in SK received something there and if yes, how much? Just for information… Does anybody know in detail?

What? Listen to the U.N. about some zainichi students at a "university" not accredited by Japanese authorities, but just happens to revere and idolize Kim Jong Un? I find that hilarious because the U.N. couldn't find its way out of a wet paper bag. I say ignore their nonsense.

Exactly. I find it hypocritical for the anti-Japan crowd to lecture others on who they should listen to, when they themselves do no research to back up their biased viewpoints. It's obvious none of them put forth any effort to learn about this issue than automatically post the usual "Japanese are xenophobic hate mongers" response.

The fact that this cash handout was open to international students, Koreans included, is proof enough that there was hardly any 'racist' intent (and requiring the handouts go to the top 30% performing international students is perfectly reasonable). This Korean university is not legitimate, nor are the other pro-Pyongyang affiliated schools in Japan.

Imagine a school in your own country that is funded by a government that preaches hatred and destruction of your country from birth, teaching a curriculum that preaches the glory of that state. The anti-Japan crowd here would in that case have none of that and would see how ridiculous it would be to have your government provide support and funding to such a school.

Certainly there exists bigotry against ethnic Koreans in Japan. This is not one of them. And downvoting is not a proper response.

It's cute how some people think Japan is not discriminatory or has a decent human rights record.

In any case, Japan will just object to this and threaten the UN, then not-so-quietly demand they have more UNESCO sites added.

They’re damn right this denial of basic assistance freely given to others stinks to high heaven. But it’s entirely in keeping with the way Koreans are perceived in general, pariahs and lepers, not fit to sit at the same table as the high born.

These Koreans students were Pro-North Korean government, yes this is true! But is this a legitimate reason to discriminate them!? This is a very awful double standard!

And downvoting is not a proper response.

On that, Godwin would most definitely agree with you.

Many of the comments here support what the U.N. Experts claimed with the exception that it is not only the cash handout that discriminates Koreans.

And the other side of the coin? Have all Japanese in SK received something there and if yes, how much? Just for information… Does anybody know in detail?

Korean students here mean Chosun (North Korea) students. The other side of the coin does not exist there is no Japanese school. In case of South Korea, Japanese school graduates are not even entitled diploma qualifying them to take entrance exams to upper school as opposed to the other side of the coin in here.

FYI, Japanese school in SK is being categorized miscellaneous special school just like Chosun schools are here in Japan as opposed to the side of the coin in here.

Subsidization or cash hand out? Never. Japan's treatment is rather rare.

FYI, each regional governing bodies have their own measure and lots of those are subsidizing these chosun schools still. All 23 wards of Tokyo doing that which is being criticized because that particular subsidization is only for Zainichi schools (meaning not being provided to other foreign schools) , hence essentially replacing the current situation by supporting them under the ground.

And downvoting is not a proper response.

Anyone else getting tired of reading this?

to be clear

FYI, Japanese school in SK is being categorized miscellaneous special school as opposed to, here in Japan, SKorean schools are accredited as official educational facilities (Ichijyou-gakkou school), just like Chosun schools are treated in Japan

Why would foreign students receive a cash subsidy from the government of Japan?

For an example, foreign students in the USA did not receive a stimulus check. To do so would require the payment of taxes.

@elephant200 Today 10:29 am JST

These Koreans students were Pro-North Korean government, yes this is true! But is this a legitimate reason to discriminate them!?

To the extent of not giving them benefits? Yes. Think of it this way - let's say North Koreans want to publish a book that advocates the destruction of Japan in Japan. Japan respects freedom of speech, so it doesn't stop it from going to print if they can find a publisher willing to print it. And that's already more than what the North Koreans would have allowed.

Are the Japanese obliged to pay for the book's publication, to support a book that advocates their own destruction? That's the kind of difference w are talking here.

Listen to the U.N. about some zainichi students...... just happens to revere and idolize Kim Jong Un

The message to 金 is ‘revere and idolize’ the right crowd and you’re as good as gold.

Many of the comments here support what the U.N. Experts claimed with the exception that it is not only the cash handout that discriminates Koreans.

Several anti-/post-covid programs are universally designed and aimed at anyone living in Japan regardless of nationality or enthocultural background (e.g. In 2020, the handout of 100,000 yen for all residents in Japan). Many ethnic Koreans/Japanese Koreans must be one of the largest ethnic minority groups benefitting from state supports while some Japanese nationals such as overseas expats can not be eligible.

The cash handout program was launched in May last year to offer up to 200,000 yen ($1,800) to financially troubled students in universities, junior colleges, and other schools such as the Japan campus of foreign universities.

But the scheme excluded students of Korea University in Kodaira in western Tokyo as it fell under a category of "miscellaneous schools" along with English language schools.

The government said, though, that the cash handout program was not discriminatory as some Japanese students who are attending institutions not covered by the program are also not eligible.

Seems clear enough

Not only this issue, since previous Abe regime, Japanese government continues to ignore criticism from UN experts.

Korean school : Give us money (shakes begging cup)

Japan : Haven't we been here already?

Korean school : This time its for something different (shakes begging cup louder)

Japan : ............................................................

@Richard Gallagher

Why would foreign students receive a cash subsidy from the government of Japan?

In most other countries, legal permanent residents have equal access to education and scholarships. The only privilege that permanent residents don't enjoy is the right to seek public office and vote.

A previous comment mentioned that this university and its students support North Korea so they shouldn't receive government pay-out (i.e. yes, it's ok the discriminate them).

Whilst I don't agree with supporting North Korea, this argument is terribly flawed.

By this logic, anyone with a differing opinion / belief should be discriminated? No.

At the end of the day, whether you like Koreans or not, they still pay tax and are residents in Japan and hence should have equal opportunity to receive government support.

In most other countries, legal permanent residents have equal access to education and scholarships. The only privilege that permanent residents don't enjoy is the right to seek public office and vote.

Zainichi Koreans are not legal permanent residents but even more protected special legal permanent residents who have equal access to education and scholarships at public schools or private schools if the schools are officially accredited as educational facility (Ichijou-kou). Those schools are wide open for Zainichi Koreans. so what is your point?

I can recall when the cash handout was first proposed, LDP member Kimi Onoda proposed that only Japanese citizens should be eligible for the handout. I'm curious what her role was in excluding the Korean University students because it seems clear to me there are racial undertones in this decision.

Why bother reading an article @oldman_13 9:13am when a headline tells us everything we need to know? (Isn’t that what media wants?)

Regardless of that, we can agree in on this:

“Certainly there exists bigotry against ethnic Koreans in Japan.”

Oh! And, upvoting is not an option, too!

That’s interesting @Kumagaijin 2:00pm. Wasn’t there some issue or controversy about Onoda’s birthplace and choice of nationality?

*- “I can recall when the handout was 1st proposed, LDP Kimi Onoda proposed only J citizens should be eligible. I'm curious what her role was in excluding the K.U. students… are racial undertones in this decision.”[?]*

Can’t claim to know the circumstances or details from that time but a cursory search revealed:

https://www.turning-japanese.info/2016/10/onoda.html -

“Curious” as well…

Clearly there's bigotry somewhere.

Why bother reading the article when one's mind is already made up

Anyway if this is a case of discrimination against Koreans, why only students from one school?

Were Koreans in schools eligible for handouts didnt receive handouts as well?

This school is a North Korean school run by Chongryon, a North Korean government organization.

Chongryon is an organization that has been involved in a variety of criminal activities, including kidnappings, and is considered a terrorist organization by the South Korean government.

Understood and agree with the following rebuttals:

[@9:13a: “And downvoting is not a proper response.”]

*@11:13a: “Anyone else getting tired of reading this?”*

*@3:35a “Yes. Lack of response is also not a proper response, but that poster never responds when challenged with facts. *

Also, it’s apparent they are first to immediately ‘downvote’ any subsequent opposing viewpoint. (Think “policies’ and ‘terms of service” don’t see them as “Hit & Run posts”?

afceawToday 03:28 pm JST

This school is a North Korean school run by Chongryon, a North Korean government organization.

This is correct, the Japanese School Education Law does not authorize it as a university. There are also Chongryon related kindergarten/schools operating in Japan, however their certificates are not recognized officially by the Japanese government and many employers are mistrusting to accept applications coming from former North Korean students.

For the Japanese government the situation is easy, there is almost no money coming in from North Korea to support these schools, the Japanese government is refusing to sponsor them and the number of students who attend these North Korean facilities is strongly declining and it is difficult to finance their operation. Every year some North Korean facilities are closing down.

Many young Korean people in Japan with roots to North Korea do not have such a strong feeling anymore compared to their parents, they often speak/write Japanese like a native, are accustomed to life in Japan, attending Japanese schools, some apply for Japanese citizenship, change their names and 'disappear'.

Simply said, North Korean ideology/education as it is done now has no future in Japan.

The policy of the Japanese Government is about 'don't give them any money' and 'waiting it out' and maybe after a decade from now on - should the UN complain again - the answer from Japan might be something like 'we are not aware of North Korean schools in Japan'...

Situation might be different, if North Korea would be more open-minded towards Japan, but North Korea remains - by my knowledge - the only country worldwide without any form of diplomatic relation with Japan.

A good relationship with Japan would surely be only good for North Korea. Somehow pity, but you cannot blame only Japan for this situation.

The young kids still commuting to North Korean schools, teachers, parents all are under Chongryon.

That is for sure.

Some people here is going full berserker against Korea.

Can't see why people keep talking about Nork Korea and the Dear Leader Kim.

That South Korean students are living, studying, and paying taxes in Japan as any other student all over the country.

They should be treated as any other student in all accounts.

kennyGToday 06:46 pm JST

The young kids still commuting to North Korean schools, teachers, parents all are under Chongryon.

This is true, but the number of students is declining more and more from year to year and these North Korean schools are all in a bad financial situation.

This issue is getting smaller and smaller, the Japanese government is not in a hurry, just waiting, doing nothing....

bokudaToday 07:12 pm JST

Some people here is going full berserker against Korea.

Can't see why people keep talking about Nork Korea and the Dear Leader Kim.

That South Korean students are living, studying, and paying taxes in Japan as any other student all over the country.

They should be treated as any other student in all accounts.

I don't understand your comment. In what way are South Korean students treated differently than any other students?

This article is about Korea University Japan, which is operated by Chongryon, a North Korean government organization. The school is not recognized officially in Japan out of various reasons and therefore students studying there are also not supported financially by the Japanese government.

No South Korean student is studying there....

This article has nothing to do with "South Korea" at all.

Ignorant people seem to think that "South Koreans" are attending North Korean schools.

Many young Korean people in Japan with roots to North Korea do not have such a strong feeling anymore compared to their parents, they often speak/write Japanese like a native, are accustomed to life in Japan, attending Japanese schools, some apply for Japanese citizenship, change their names and 'disappear'.

Why take the risk with China style Uighur solutions for your intractable minority problem when you can depend on the shining example of one’s own superior model and just a teensy weensy spot of funds denial to do the work.