Koreans in Japan wary of tensions with North, worry about backlash

Pu Kyon Ja, owner of the store selling Korean traditional clothes and a second-generation Korean resident in Japan, said she felt the North's pursuit of nuclear weapons was a natural reaction against threats from the United States.

"I can't say this loudly but I secretly think well done" on North Korea's development of missile and nuclear capabilities, she said. North Korea is "under great pressure (from the international society), which I believe should end."

Somebody give this lady a one way ticket to Pyonyang. Why is she even living in Japan? The United States has not "threatened" North Korea since the Korean War ended in an armistice. It is the Kim regime that has continued to maintain a constant "state of war" mentality to maintain complete control over the population. North Korea's unneeded nuclear and missile program is what should to end, not international pressure.

I can't say this loudly but I secretly think well done" on North Korea's development of missile and nuclear capabilities, she said. North Korea is "under great pressure (from the international society), which I believe should end."

You just did "say it" loudly enough, there are plenty that will "hear" it too!

"I'm watching over the current situation with great hope," she added.

And you wonder why there might be backlash? Sorry but you damn well bring the problems upon yourself!

Agree with the above posters. If you are going to support the NK regime, go and live there.

"I can't say this loudly but I secretly think well done" on North Korea's development of missile and nuclear capabilities, she said. North Korea is "under great pressure (from the international society), which I believe should end."

There will definitely be a backlash against North Koreans and possibly even South Koreans in Japan when you hear such fifth columnist garbage such as this. There is a danger of a backlash against Chinese as well so long as they cheer on NK's threatening of nuclear destruction of Japan

The United States has not "threatened" North Korea since the Korean War ended in an armistice. It is the Kim regime that has continued to maintain a constant "state of war" mentality to maintain complete control over the population. North Korea's unneeded nuclear and missile program is what should to end, not international pressure.

I think from their point of view they see the US as a threat as they have the power to go to other countries to remove problems of their own deciding.

Sad but anytime media decides to bring up race, religion, nationalism, and the like, especially when there is potential conflict pending... it creates unnecessary tension and extreme and biased opinions to dominate the discussion.

Nice that those who have participated have kept the discussion rather rational and reasonable.

koreans already have a hard time with racsism in japan, so nothing will change.

Pu Kyon Ja, owner of the store selling Korean traditional clothes and a second-generation Korean resident in Japan, said she felt the North's pursuit of nuclear weapons was a natural reaction against threats from the United States.

"I can't say this loudly but I secretly think well done" on North Korea's development of missile and nuclear capabilities, she said. North Korea is "under great pressure (from the international society), which I believe should end."

Way to go Reuters and JT! Name and pinpoint on a map anyone who might be worth lynching. Privacy laws aside, often found in developed societies, is it not possible to employ common sense and er toward not endangering someone's life (by not printing their details)?

North Korea's unneeded nuclear and missile program is what should to end, not international pressure.

You are aware that Japan colonized and basically enslaved Korea? And that Japan is doing its best to re-militarize? And that because NK has not acquiesced to the US (like Iraq and a string of other destroyed nations), they have had to endure embargoes and pressures put on to them to 'conform'?

With neighbors and 'world-police' like that, why wouldn't they want a small measure of collateral.

By no means do I condone what they are doing, but what options has 'the free world' really given them? Can't you see the root of these problems? Or just gonna regurgitate the propaganda of the mass media.

This will make zero difference.

@AgentX For all we know, that Person's name and it's association with an unnamed Traditional Korean Clothing store (somewhere in Japan), could simply be made up in order to gain some publicity for the author.

@AgentX For all we know, that Person's name and it's association with an unnamed Traditional Korean Clothing store (somewhere in Japan), could simply be made up in order to gain some publicity for the author.

It reads to me that it is in Osaka. If it is factual, it wouldn't be hard for some extremist Uyoku type to track her down.

The United States has not "threatened" North Korea since the Korean War ended in an armistice. I

Propaganda is quite an elixir.

Where to begin?

Categorization as an 'axis of evil'

Increase in mock attacks against a sovereign nation guised as 'exercises'

There's no nation on this planet that wouldn't look out for it's safety by obtaining this destructive deterrent.

Some 453,096 South Koreans and 32,461 North Koreans lived in Japan last year, according to government data. Many were forced to move there during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula before and during World War Two.

It would be more correct to say that there is a total of 450,000 people with Korean (North and South) nationality in Japan. Of those 330,000 are "special permanent residents" (特別永住者) meaning that they were born in Japan but have not bothered to take Japanese citizenship which is very easy to get if you were born in Japan although not automatic. In other words, there are only about 120,000 "Koreans from Korea" in Japan.

Further, any Korean who has taken Japanese citizenship disappears as a Korean because the Japanese census does not ask ethnic background. Any child born to a mixed Korean-Japanese marriage in Japan automatically has Japanese citizenship.

Surveys of born in Japan Koreans show that only about 10% claim their ancestors came as forced labourers.

You are aware that Japan colonized and basically enslaved Korea?

Aly RustomToday  07:59 am JST

"Agree with the above posters. If you are going to support the NK regime, go and live there."

So do you support your country? If so, then shouldn't you go and live there to?

Thats the kind of logic you're using, though I often support my home country, I shouldn't have to return simply because of their wrong doings. It's kind of a "love it or leave it" mentality. Things aren't always so black and white.

So do you support your country? If so, then shouldn't you go and live there to?

I do. I live in Japan. The country of my wife and son. The country where I pay taxes in. The country where my in-laws reside. The country where my friends are. This is my home.

Thats the kind of logic you're using, though I often support my home country, I shouldn't have to return simply because of their wrong doings.

You do if you support your country doing something that can be potentially dangerous or harmful to the country you live in.

It's kind of a "love it or leave it" mentality. Things aren't always so black and white.

You're right. Things aren't always so black and white, but in this case they are. Can't sit on the fence on this one. Anyone who cheers the psychotic NK regime shouldn't live here.

Anyone who cheers the psychotic NK regime shouldn't live here.

It's a good thing you're not in charge of immigration seeing as your take on freedom of expression is rather skewed.

All you need to do, is take the propaganda blinders on and actually read about the mass attrocities committed against NK. History is muddled with so much disinformation. It takes alot stepping out of your comfort box and actually thinking for yourself. You should certainly try it.

they were born in Japan but have not bothered to take Japanese citizenship which is very easy to get if you were born in Japan although not automatic.

It's not a question of "bothering". Have you ever considered why many people in that situation have not chosen to take Japanese nationality? Hints: dual nationality, culture, names, reasons for ancestors coming to Japan, etc.

I agree though that supporting North Korea is a slap in the face to Japan. Difficult to justify.

I wonder whether there's a difference between "Supporting" and "Understanding" when commenting upon what the North Koreans are doing and why they're doing it ?

Assuming that there was a Real Person, who voiced their opinion in response to a question (that hasn't been mentioned ), perhaps, if they were also asked about whether it was right for North Korea to threaten Japan (and other Nations) with a Nuclear attack, that their answer may be significantly different. Indeed, maybe they had been. Cherry picking an interviewee's answers to questions which aren't also reported isn't really great Journalism, simply Sensationalism.

As for "Supporters" of the North Korean regime, yes I would have to agree with the other posters here, in that if those people wish to "actively" Support North Korea, then they may wish to consider doing it somewhere else, other than this Country, thank you very much, as they are simply not welcome here.

Aly Rustom Thanks for your reply!

I live here to and my wife and son are from here as well, Japan is my home but is is not my place of birth. I have dual citizenship from the U.K. & U.S. though I still love my home countries, they BOTH take actions that are "potentially dangerous" (as you put it) and much worse. I often speak out against the wrongful actions of our leaders and many say, I should love it or leave it but I have the luxury of freedom of speech. What do you think would happen to this lady if she spoke out against NK to the media?

Do you feel that every military action by the US & UK are justified? I've met many people living abroad, who feel their countries can do no wrong, in regards to military actions. That misguided belief should NOT limit them from living in another country.

It's a good thing you're not in charge of immigration seeing as your take on freedom of expression is rather skewed.

no. I'm just not a cheerleader for a Madman trying to blow up Japan.

All you need to do, is take the propaganda blinders on and actually read about the mass attrocities committed against NK.

If you knew anything at all about history which you apparently don't, you would know that most of these atrocities you were talking about were committed by the regime itself against its own people. But then again I don't expect you to know that since your comments about Syria are pretty much the same. You constantly cheered on various despots.

History is muddled with so much disinformation.

Yes. So please stop adding to it

It takes alot stepping out of your comfort box and actually thinking for yourself. You should certainly try it.

I guess it's too much to ask you to step out of your comfort box and actually Learn about history for yourself. But You should certainly try it.

Aly Rustom Thanks for your reply!

you're most welcome.

I live here to and my wife and son are from here as well, Japan is my home but is is not my place of birth. I have dual citizenship from the U.K. & U.S.

I have dual citizenship from the UK and Syria.

though I still love my home countries, they BOTH take actions that are "potentially dangerous" (as you put it) and much worse.

Please tell me as the UK and US citizen what either of these two countries have done that have been potentially more dangerous to Japan than sending missiles over it. You might prefer to Hiroshima Nagasaki, but that was a lifetime and the former US president has already paid his respects there. Either the UK nor the US after it in Japan recently. In fact they are standing shoulder to shoulder with Japan.

I often speak out against the wrongful actions of our leaders and many say, I should love it or leave it but I have the luxury of freedom of speech. What do you think would happen to this lady if she spoke out against NK to the media? 

She doesn't have to speak out against the North Korean regime. But she shouldn't support it either should she? Plus you are not going to lecture me about not having freedom of speech my friend. I used to live in Syria. Not much difference from North Korea.

Do you feel that every military action by the US & UK are justified?

Of course not. but like I said before, the US and UK have not threatened The country where I live.

I've met many people living abroad, who feel their countries can do no wrong, in regards to military actions. That misguided belief should NOT limit them from living in another country.

we will have to disagree here. If you feel that the United States has done wrong, you have no business for example living in the Middle East.

lomaeSep. 11  09:22 am JST

I think from their point of view they see the US as a threat as they have the power to go to other countries to remove problems of their own deciding.

Other counties also have that ability as well. The US doesn't see that as a threat. It does however see a continuous nuclear and missile development program in violation of multiple UN resolutions coupled with constant declarations to "nuke the United States" as a threat.

AgentXSep. 11  10:41 am JST

North Korea's unneeded nuclear and missile program is what should to end, not international pressure.

You are aware that Japan colonized and basically enslaved Korea? And that Japan is doing its best to re-militarize? 

Are YOU aware that under Japan's annexation all Koreans became Japanese citizens, schools, roads, railroads, hospitals were built, the average lifespan of the Korean person increased through better education and nutrition, some 240,000 Korean men served willingly in the Imperial Japanese armed forces with many rising to officer status, one even a General? The colonization of Korea was not a one sided bad show as anti-J propagandists paint. Are YOU aware that Japan's "remilitarization" is an effort to improve it;s ability to defend itself from the threats posed by China and North Korea?

Wallace FredSep. 11  01:58 pm JST

The United States has not "threatened" North Korea since the Korean War ended in an armistice. I

Propaganda is quite an elixir.

Where to begin?

Categorization as an 'axis of evil'

So categorizing North Korea as a member of the Axis of Evil, together with Iraq and Iran was a "Threat"?

http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/Nodong/index.htm

"Americans and others have long observed cooperation between these two rogue regimes. You don’t need to be a trained missile expert to notice the design similarities between North Korea’s home-built Rodong and its Iranian clone, the Shahab 3. Or the Rodong B and Shahab 4.

Iranian nuclear scientists were present at Pyongyang’s first nuclear test. Iran-allied Syria modeled its nuclear plant (later eliminated by Israel) on a similar North Korean one. Rather than violating the Obama deal by experimenting at home, Iran can advance its nuclear program by observing North Korea’s and contributing to its progress."

http://nypost.com/2017/08/01/its-time-to-take-on-the-iran-north-korea-nuke-alliance/

"Americans and others have long observed cooperation between these two rogue regimes. You don’t need to be a trained missile expert to notice the design similarities between North Korea’s home-built Rodong and its Iranian clone, the Shahab 3. Or the Rodong B and Shahab 4.

Iranian nuclear scientists were present at Pyongyang’s first nuclear test. Iran-allied Syria modeled its nuclear plant (later eliminated by Israel) on a similar North Korean one. Rather than violating the Obama deal by experimenting at home, Iran can advance its nuclear program by observing North Korea’s and contributing to its progress."

I see. So basically, you're trying to tell me that iran, which is under a microscope 24/365 pulled one over the entire EU and US, and got away scot free with a nuclear agreement in tow? Come on man. Come on!!

These sovereign nations feel threatened by the war mongering empire. Face it. Thanks military industrial complex that the great general warned us about won out in the day. With the war winding down in Syria, empire needs another boogeyman to keep them coffers overflowing. Wake up man!!

Aly Rustom, I respectfully disagree with you on several points

. First, it's my believe that all wars could potentially threaten any country around the world. The US has been in a constant state of war for quite sometime, if you believe those actions are peaceful or not a threat, I'd strongly disagree. Besides that, Americas military occupy more foreign military bases around the world, more than any other country by far, I no longer believe that makes us safer, often the opposite happens.

The US is the only country on the planet that has used nuclear weapons on civilians yet you're ok with it simply because it happened so long ago?

I didn't lecture you about freedom of speech, I pointed out that I've been fortunate enough to have it, while others may not.

Lastly, its scary that because I will speak out against the actions of some Japanese officials, you believe I should have to leave Japan. If you love a country but don't always agree with its actions, you should be able to do something about it, not just blindly except it. I'd like the best outcome for all human beings, it doesn't matter which country they're from, nor can I tell them how to think. None of us agree with each other on every topic but we should be able to discuss all issues peacefully, without being deported.

@Stuart Hayward: great comment!

Wake up man!!

Yep. It's amazing how so many refuse to wake up and smell the beans, even in the face of the facts. This being a good case in point. It's like Iraq all over again! And that 'good fight' went really well, right?

Sure, Korea should just roll over to US policy. The US being so benign and responsible in economic and geopolitical ambition. Let's not mention the financial ruin the US has left the world in, and its need for keeping the war-machine moving...

And for those who keep touting how good Japan has treated Korea; why is there so much animosity between them? Why are 'ethnic Korean' citizens being treated so badly here now? Why are there tombs in Japan with the ears and noses of Koreans being kept inside? Why is history denied, ignored or simply re-written.

This is why a more mature and diplomatic approach from Japan to every other country in Asia is important. Something yet to be seen.

And this is why, as people of this Earth, we all have to put more pressure back on the US military industrial disease to stop the insanity.

WAKE. UP!

Aly Rustom, I respectfully disagree with you on several points

Fair enough mate. Lets see if we can bridge our differences.  And thank you for the respect. Right back at you sir.

First, it's my believe that all wars could potentially threaten any country around the world. The US has been in a constant state of war for quite sometime, if you believe those actions are peaceful or not a threat, I'd strongly disagree. Besides that, Americas military occupy more foreign military bases around the world, more than any other country by far, I no longer believe that makes us safer, often the opposite happens.

So far,  we are in total agreement.

The US is the only country on the planet that has used nuclear weapons on civilians yet you're ok with it simply because it happened so long ago?

I never said I was ok with it. When did I say that? What I said was the US recently has not threatened Japan in any way to the extent that North Korea has.

I didn't lecture you about freedom of speech, I pointed out that I've been fortunate enough to have it, while others may not.

Your statement about what would happen to that woman if she spoke out about NK sounded that way. If it was misread, then please accept my humble apologies.

Lastly, its scary that because I will speak out against the actions of some Japanese officials, you believe I should have to leave Japan.

Let me tell you that very few people heap more scathing vitrol at the LDP and Abe in particular than my self. So that's certainly not what I was saying.  You have this backwards. The woman in question was not speaking out against japanese officials. She said:

I can't say this loudly but I secretly think well done" on North Korea's development of missile and nuclear capabilities, she said. North Korea is "under great pressure (from the international society), which I believe should end."

"I'm watching over the current situation with great hope," she added.

Think about this. NK is launching missiles over Japan. This is already an act of war. If they did THAT over Russia, China, or the US they would already be at war. Japan has showed great restraint so far. But for this IDIOT to say things like what she said above while missiles fly overhead is troubling, to say the least. In MANY countries, democratic countries, she could be deemed a national security risk.

If you love a country but don't always agree with its actions, you should be able to do something about it, not just blindly except it.

I'm sorry my friend but I fail to see what the above statement has to do with my scathing criticism of this woman.

I'd like the best outcome for all human beings, it doesn't matter which country they're from, nor can I tell them how to think. None of us agree with each other on every topic but we should be able to discuss all issues peacefully, without being deported.

By and large I agree. But if you are close to war (and we are), and you are supporting the other side, I cannot fault the authorities for deporting you as you are a security risk.

Look, I have been known to heap some serious criticism on the Japanese Gov as well. Some people have even accused me of being anti Japanese, which I find to be stupid, ignorant and downright offensive as my wife and son whom I love more than anything in the world are both Japanese.  But one must stand up for what is right. THIS woman is living in Japan and enjoying benefits that you and I don't have. For example, she will never be fingerprinted coming back to Japan, yet you and I will. She is a second-generation Korean resident in Japan. Missiles are flying over her head and ours, and she wants to support the NK regime?? Yes I believe in freedom of speech. But to support someone who is commiting acts of aggression against your country is too much. 

That's my personal opinion mate.