Japan urges caution for citizens traveling to S Korea

It is extremely dangerous and foolhardy for any Japanese to be in South Korea. Japanese tourists will be spotted easily on the streets and potentially harassed, bullied or even worse.

Good advice by the Abe Cabinet.

This travel advisory is completely unnecessary since Korea remains safe for Japanese tourists and there have been no safety incident involving Japanese visitors.

After all, Koreans have issues with the Abe administration and his rightwing supporters, not ordinary Japanese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62cn9n_kWuk

@Ganbare Japan!

Japanese tourists will be spotted easily on the streets and potentially harassed, bullied or even worse.

Japanese tourists in the heart of Seoul right now says otherwise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62cn9n_kWuk

It is extremely dangerous and foolhardy for any Japanese to be in South Korea. Japanese tourists will be spotted easily on the streets and potentially harassed, bullied or even worse.

Utter nonsense when there's been no reported attacks and Korean netizens themselves have been quite vocal that these protests are against the Japanese government and not Japanese citizens!

I'm not happy with how the Moon office has been encouraging the Anti Japan sentiment to gain the support of the nationalists. But don't lie and say that SK is unsafe for Japanese citizens right now.

Is just precaution. This thing can get pretty intense if some idiots decide to do something after being motivated. You would always have a bad apple in the bunch. All it take is 1 small spark and the whole thing can turn into a forest fire. Human move on emotions. Youncan eve paid others to have them target others.

Remember the violents protest in China a couple yeara ago against Japan? That turn pretty violent quickly.

So travel on your own risk. Why put yourself in potential danger? Better safe then sorry

This is a prudent action by the J-govt. The South Korean Japan-Hating is out of control, fueled by Moon's policies resulting in demonstrations and potential mob behavior. With absolutely no action at all being taken at all by the Moon administration to reduce it, the risk of physical harm and property damage to Japanese tourists is on;y increasing daily. The smart course of action is to reduce that risk by any means possible.

It is extremely dangerous and foolhardy for any Japanese to be in South Korea. Japanese tourists will be spotted easily on the streets and potentially harassed, bullied or even worse.

It's pure fear mongering! There are plenty of Japanese and Korean's who travel back and forth from Korea NOW and NEITHER have any problems!

It's people like you and the media who are making things WORSE!

The government is fanning the fires of anti-Japanese sentiment among their people. This is not an angry group of citizens acting on their own - it’s their government. They put up anti-Japanese banners in Seoul. Of course it’s going to become riskier for Japanese people in Korea right now. I wouldn’t want to bring my family there at this current time.

This travel advisory is completely unnecessary since Korea remains safe for Japanese tourists and there have been no safety incident involving Japanese visitors.

Until there is.

After all, Koreans have issues with the Abe administration and his rightwing supporters, not ordinary Japanese.

Right. They're only boycotting right wing Japanese goods...

It's a precaution. It may be overreacting, but better to be over prepared than under.

. The South Korean Japan-Hating is out of control, fueled by Moon's policies

The government is fanning the fires of anti-Japanese sentiment among their people

Classic gaslighting and victim blaming akin to walking into and robbing your neighbor's house and turning around and complain because you hurt yourself while getting away.

There's no amount of spin you can put on this. Rational minds know the instigator was the abe regime. Any kind of escalation or repurcussions is solely on him and his ilk alone.

StrangerlandToday  07:19 am JST

The government is fanning the fires of anti-Japanese sentiment among their people. This is not an angry group of citizens acting on their own - it’s their government. They put up anti-Japanese banners in Seoul. Of course it’s going to become riskier for Japanese people in Korea right now. I wouldn’t want to bring my family there at this current time.

The Independence day is coming soon, August 15, and I expect there would be much larger demonstrations against Japan throughout South Korea, not organized by the gov't, but by the people of ROK.

I don't think the Moon administration was that popular before the trade war started; certainly wasn't seen as a competent leader, obsessed with North Korea, but thanks to Abe, that's all changed.

Who are you to judge whether Korea is safe or not? Are you ready to take the responsibility if you claim Korea is safe and someone does get hurt? Seems like pointless claim and argument either way (whether it be safe or not) without location, time of event and statistics.

The Independence day is coming soon, August 15, and I expect there would be much larger demonstrations against Japan throughout South Korea, not organized by the gov't, but by the people of ROK.

The problem being that the government is actively fanning the fires of anti-Japanese hatred. I assume that overall Korea is still very safe for Japanese people. But conversely some moron whose fires have been fuelled by the government may very well decide some innocent Japanese tourist deserves retribution. That’s the result of government stoked hatred.

I think this is based on the outrage in China a couple of years ago when they destroyed Japanese property etc, will Koreans go that far? Just better to be cautious.

It's a shame so many are brainwashed to hate Japan instead of looking at the who is really to blame here.

At least the Japanese response is measured and not a knee jerk response like SK, whaaa we are going to boycott japanese good, whaaa we are going to boycott japan, whaaa we will refuse to fuel up cars made by japanese companies, whaaa we are gonna burn and kick your flag in front of your embassy, and whaaa we are going to boycott your olympics...

Going to Kotora is a bad idea. Even if you don’t have any problems with the locals, you’d still be in Korea.

A prudent advisory precaution under the circumstances.

Emotions, politically are running high, student activist flag burning, and Thursday's national day of liberation from Japanese rule could become a focal point for further anti Japanese sentiment. Be safe not sorry.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in belligerence, openly fanning the flames of discontent. You reap what you sow

I would imagine its most likely safe currently however there are some facts that can't be ignored;

The kinds of discussions we see from Pro South Korean posters on here (I don't really like pro or anti terms.. but not sure what else to call it) they aren't limiting this to Abe/Government dislike, they regularly accuse Japanese people of being complicit with "whitewashing" and being uneducated about the war.

They have a distinct issue with Japan and Japanese people.

This is government initiated and sponsored outcry, with sweeping statements like "we will not be defeated by Japan again" and other inflammatory statements from people that are suppose to be leaders and looking out for the interests of their country not causing unnecessary resurgence of painful history for political needs.

If some Japanese person is harmed because of this will people be happy then, or does Japan need to volunteer people to work in tough situations?

Its looking pretty sad.. and its pretty clear who looks like the adult in the room right now.

not true at all

Koreans are safe on the streets in Japan. Its interesting how many people apparantly have the time to shout at the sky.

Patrick, care to elaborate at all?

Such advice that was stated by Japanese government is a very prudent advice.

Do your own research before traveling anywhere.

I said in another post, there is just so much silliness going on, and I feel bad for people who don't get to see that here in Japan (minus the occasional black-van coward) it business as normal and there is none of this retalitory action against goods that have nothing to do with this issue.

Japan didn't stop exports of everything to South Korea, it limited some goods for the manufacture of semi-conductors based on lack of reporting and has since shipped goods and also has stated publicly it has no intention of stopping legitimate trade. Yes its more work for the people involved but if South Korea admitted over a hundred cases of issues with those goods then there does seem to be some justification.

Was Japan's reluctance somewhat related to the other South Korea-Japan issues, I wouldn't be surprised but its hard to work with a partner that doesn't work in good faith with in the treaties between the countries, its difficult to say thats a trusted partner.

Is Japan faultless, no of course not, there is political positioning on all sides but here in Japan I haven't seen one "anti-korean" sign or import protest, in-fact as all this is going on I saw Japanese people lining up to taste and buy Korean food from Koreans. The South Korean pop stars still promoted on TV and so..

The propaganda in South Korea is working though, one of my team members in South Korea was worried about visiting Japan, been here a number of times.. I said.. its exactly the same as it always is, people are busy working and getting on with their lives.

I remember the same kind of nonsense in China a few years ago with property destruction, turning over Japanese vehicles and so on. (sad for that private citizens property...)

This is just sad for the people.. and through all this angst what do we get, another term of divisive politicians and another generation holding on to past, reliving 4 generations ago pain at their own detriment.

Japanese better not easily go to S Korea during boycotting protesting in streets as some Japan haters may try to make troubles. S Korean government may urge serious caution for citizens traveling to Japan because there is NO boycotting and NO protesting in Japan. Moon may say this is tit for tat.

The Japanese wingnuts are taking a cue from the Dump administration by creating a false boogeyman. Nothing has been reported to indicate Japanese tourist are in any danger.

All distraction!

Utter nonsense when there's been no reported attacks and Korean netizens themselves have been quite vocal that these protests are against the Japanese government and not Japanese citizens!

.

It's pure fear mongering! There are plenty of Japanese and Korean's who travel back and forth from Korea NOW and NEITHER have any problems!

@KariHaruka and Yubaru - Exactly.

The propaganda in South Korea is working though, one of my team members in South Korea was worried about visiting Japan, been here a number of times.. I said.. its exactly the same as it always is, people are busy working and getting on with their lives.

@NZ - If a Japanese person was afraid to visit SK due to this advice from the Japanese government, would you not call this latest action by Japan propaganda? How is that different from 'SK propaganda' that resulted in your workmate worrying about visiting Japan?

It is extremely dangerous and foolhardy for any Japanese to be in South Korea. Japanese tourists will be spotted easily on the streets and potentially harassed, bullied or even worse.

Nonsense. Been there before when there was aggro between the two countries and people were still friendly and welcoming.

This kind of fear mongering doesn't help matters at all.

Also, many Koreans are passionate people who turn to threats and violence easily. Again, they can do as they please in their country, but caution to those who visit the Hermit Kingdom.

Thanks for the correction Hillclimber.

@Heckleberry.

Point me to the reports of large Anti-South Korean protests in Japan.. factually there just isn't that same kind of activity in Japan as there is in South Korea right now.

I said its probably IS safe but as long as the government there is actively sponsoring and fostering this it could get dangerous and take another step in a more worrying direction quickly. Look at HK for example, mostly non-violent but very quickly has turned to something much more.. (though fight for autonomy HK Peep!)

I said in another post, there is just so much silliness going on, and I feel bad for people who don't get to see that here in Japan (minus the occasional black-van coward) it business as normal and there is none of this retalitory action against goods that have nothing to do with this issue.

@NZ - why do you dismiss hate speech by the Japanese black van crew against Koreans, while making something of peaceful protests involving the young and old in SK? I hope you realise that as bias?

Life in SK is also business as usual, except maybe a tiny percentage (a thousand out of 50 million?) of people who turned up to these peaceful protests where nobody got hurt and no property was damaged other than burning of flags the protests probably purchased themselves.

And why is private SK citizens choosing not to purchase Japanese goods due to perceived act of trade war by Japan 'silliness'? Is it not their right as private citizens in a democratic country?

@Heckleberry I dismiss the black van cowards because they are stupid the entire time.. and a sad part of Japan but best ignored. (some of the more directed speech has been restricted)

They aren't doing anything different from normal in reaction to this current situation and aren't directly reflecting the government statements..

In SK while now removed I believe, the signs in areas were not by local citizens but made and distributed by the local authority, that isn't private citizens thats government sponsored political action.

People can choose to buy or not buy whatever they want but the nationalistic backward thinking rhetoric and statements by the South Korean leadership makes it difficult for people to come to independent opinions on it you must agree.

I dismiss the black van cowards because they are stupid the entire time.. and a sad part of Japan but best ignored. (some of the more directed speech has been restricted)

@NZ - Would you dismiss groups of South Koreans in a black van, driving around the streets of Seoul spreading hate against Japan? No you wouldn't, in fact you would use it as part of your argument that SK is dangerous for visiting Japanese.

In SK while now removed I believe, the signs in areas were not by local citizens but made and distributed by the local authority, that isn't private citizens thats government sponsored political action.

Yes it was entirely inappropriate for the particular local council in Seoul to put up those banners. I believe it attracted over 20,000 signatures to remove them in a matter of days. It is still inexcusable.

People can choose to buy or not buy whatever they want but the nationalistic backward thinking rhetoric and statements by the South Korean leadership makes it difficult for people to come to independent opinions on it you must agree.

You are quick to point out nationalistic thinking in SK, but extremely lenient when it comes to Japan's leadership who still wish to glorify their warmongering past and continue with a defiant approach. The current PM Abe is a known right winger with a long rap sheet of statements aimed to whitewash/deny history. I know you think you're a balanced person with objective views, but you repeatedly dismiss and sweep any shortcomings by Japan under the rug, while highlighting that of SK. I hope you can see this.

As for the boycott of Japanese goods, SK has a much more open market and is flooded with Japanese goods which are popular. As one example, Uniqlo has 168 stores in SK, while USA has 50. SK has a huge trade deficit with Japan and SK citizens have decided they should no longer give Japanese businesses huge profits whilst the Japanese government aimed to cripple SK's main export.

Better safe than sorry!

TSK, TSK! All these imaginary downvotes to appease the people who pay the bills here!

Nonsense. Been there before when there was aggro between the two countries and people were still friendly and welcoming.

This kind of fear mongering doesn't help matters at all.

@Toasted - 100% agreed.

However, more people than not chose to disagree with your comment. Some obviously prefer rhetoric and narrative over truth.

@Heckleberry

Independent people can do as they wish anywhere in my opinion (well peacefully of course), to be clear though those black van people don't like anyone.. its not just a specific South Korea thing, they are sad nationalistic clowns. I hope that they would be met with the same general disregard as they are here, not having groups of children kicking foreign countries flags for a photo op for example..

(I do wish there were noise pollution rules though.. they are annoying as they regularly drive past the American embassy close to where I work)

I have no illusions about Abe and dislike his backwards looking rose coloured glasses he and his cronies tend toward.

I am happy to criticize Japans political and social issues and do regularly, I catch as much dislike from "pro" Japan people as anyone else I suspect.

I have repeatedly said I wish Japan was more contrite in regards to the past but that surely you must admit is difficult if it is constantly used in non-related issues.

However I am more concerned about the bigger picture right now, the security, safety, prosperity and democracy is at risk in the region with South Korea and Japan in this ongoing tit for tat.

Abe like him or not is not speaking in the same way about South Korea as is Moon about Japan.

Perhaps there is a trade deficit but there is a massive population difference and I don't think historical issues and political manipulation of emotion should be used to fix that.

The removal of those very specific items from the whitelist does seem to have some justification based even on South Koreas own statements.

I would like there to be a much better relationship between South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other pacific nations, its going to be very important in the future, but if people refuse to accept that the Japan of the past simply doesn't and cannot exist again under the current situation, and perhaps its time to forgive and move on.. we are going to find ourselves in a similar situation to what Japan tried to do before the war.. but it won't be Japan this time.

I have the fortunate position of having visited most countries in these regions multiple times and feel to the best of my ability I am being balanced.

untill SK presidency turns to solar or polar from lunar we will see this kinda of protest oriented live KPop in korea quite often should Kpop fan get envious at the embassy officials there as they get to see them free of cost everytime

Why ? Is it stupid when what we exactly need is people's exchange and communication and understanding ?

@NZ - Again, if SK black van crew existed spouting hatred against Japan over streets of Seoul, would you dismiss them the same way you dismiss the Japanese black vanners? It's a yes or no question, and your long response did not have an answer.

You say you are balanced but argue that SK 'propaganda' resulted in your Korean work colleague being worried about visiting Japan. But if a Japanese person was worried about visiting SK based on the latest travel warning is it not also propaganda? Or can you not bring yourself to call Japan out on propaganda as only the likes of SK and China are guilty of this in your mind?

The propaganda in South Korea is working though, one of my team members in South Korea was worried about visiting Japan, been here a number of times.. I said.. its exactly the same as it always is, people are busy working and getting on with their lives.

Apologies if I seem to be singling you out, but as a Kiwi myself (also an Aussie mind you) I'm curious to find out.

If anyone cared about reading the Foreign Ministry website, they reference certain incidents since July such as parking a vehicle near embassy and then setting it on fire and several students entering Japanese consulate in Pusan demonstrating.

This is also in addition to the several planned demonstrations scheduled all across cities in the next few days, namely the recently established comfort women day (8/14) and their so-called liberation day the day after.

The place is very scary with the above. At least the Foreign Ministry has done their job.

Better safe than sorry.

so-called liberation day the day after

@nigelboy - In what way is it 'so called'? Unless you align yourself with ultranationalists that argue that the Japanese occupation was a legal merger?

The place is very scary with the above. At least the Foreign Ministry has done their job.

Have you spent August 15 in SK? I have. It's a national holiday like any other where families pack out beaches, streams, amusement parks, and couples head to the cinema. Very scary indeed. Yasukuni is where the real nutjob stuff happens.

@Heckleberry,

Aussie eh.. that explains things, I jest I jest :-)

But like the Aussie POWs that can forgive the horrific treatment they received by Japan during the war and now have very good relations with Japan.. (ANZACs per capita had some of the highest loses of serving aged men during that time) perhaps South Korea that you seem so fond of could do with some of the same thinking.

To answer your question would I dismiss a group of sad nationalistic old men in South Korea as I would similar groups in Japan, yes I think I would, with he caveat that if they were disregarded in all sensible conversation as they are here. ie they have a right to say most things but.. they clearly are a fringe.

A travel caution because of protests I don't think is propaganda, my head office, which in no way has anything to do with the Japanese government regularly has travel warnings on countries where large protests are happening, currently Hong Kong for example, but have received similar in the past with the very demonstrations people have pointed to in South Korea against its own government.

I travelled there in that time and had to plan some meetings and travel arrangements accordingly.

There are no large protests against South Korea or South Korean goods in Japan currently, there are no cases that I know of increased issues for South Koreans in Japan, at this stage that seems to be the case in South Korea for Japanese travelers too and hopefully there won't be but there active and increasing protests and unrest supported and fueled by the government. That is a worrying combination surely you would agree.

A travel caution to a country that is actively protesting your country doesn't seem like propaganda to me sorry.

Mostly Im sure there is mostly just confusion on the part of the average Japanese citizen, whom mostly in my experience are well aware of the past and for the most part have nothing but good will towards and interest in South Korea and given the fairly good relations for the most part struggle to understand where this sudden ill will has come from.

black van in SK = rain in the river so no need of water

I tend to define Liberation Day or Independence Day as a result of actual fighting against the occupants and thus achieving that goal.

This is so laughable!

The suggestion that Japanese people are at risk is farcical.

Firstly, Where is the proof?

The reports that Japanese have been attacked or injured?

I have flown over a hundred times on Korean carriers with people of all nationalities and have never ever seen an altercation.

In fact, the Japanese traveler is well looked after by Japanese speaking cabin attendants!

Of course if I were a Japanese and looking for trouble and started sprouting invectives such as ‘ I hate Koreans ’in a loud voice, as a drunk Japanese civil servant did a few months ago in Seoul did, then I might expect to be slapped-he wasn’T

However, even under strong provocation,the Koreans can show great restraint.

No ordinary Japanese should believe this right wing bs!

I am afraid that what we notice here is happening all over the world. First people vote extreme rightwing idiots to power. Moon in SK, Abe in Japan, Dump in the US, Putin in Russia, Orban in Hungary... the list is long...

These people get elected based upon false promises and lies, but also because most voters do not take the time to reflect on whom they are voting for... this is the downside of democracy .

Then as a natural result you get these situations...

The only people benefitting from it are the extremists, not the common people.

Madeline Albright wrote a great book about this danger... she was right...

kurisupisuToday  12:18 pm JST

This is so laughable!

The suggestion that Japanese people are at risk is farcical.

Firstly, Where is the proof?

The reports that Japanese have been attacked or injured?

It is just an advice to prevent some risks of attack or someone get injured. Nobody got till now, but the probability to happen exist.

nigelboyToday  11:44 am JST

If anyone cared about reading the Foreign Ministry website, they reference certain incidents since July such as parking a vehicle near embassy and then setting it on fire and several students entering Japanese consulate in Pusan demonstrating.

This is also in addition to the several planned demonstrations scheduled all across cities in the next few days, namely the recently established comfort women day (8/14) and their so-called liberation day the day after.

The place is very scary with the above. At least the Foreign Ministry has done their job.

Thanks for information. So it means Japanese citizens were aimed. That is way regrettable.

To anyone saying that this is laughable or stupid on Japan's part, I believe whether there has been any attacks or not, a RISK is still a RISK. And from nigelboyToday, it seems there have been attacks so it is definitely right to call this out.

It's unfortunate that governments dictate how we should feel about one another.

Just looking at the reactions of citizens of these two countries shows how one side is more rational and developed as a society, while the other side is rash, emotional and vindictive.

@Mitsuo Matsuyama

Where is your proof?

Being ‘scared’ is not proof of anything!

And when were you last in Korea?

I was there a month ago...

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has backed his government into a political, and economical dead end.

It is remarkable that Moon Jae-in a human rights lawyer failed to understand the difference between diplomacy and the dogma of his own ideology.

President Moon Jae-in economic policies and jobs agenda is, personally an unequivocal failure.

President Moon Jae-in failed to understand fully the implications the SK Chaebol elite that provide between $95 billion alone to SK semi conductor market, and the enviable economic ramifications of an export embargo would mean.

President Moon Jae-in promised economic and social reforms, have hit small business owners putatively and rebounded on the most vulnerable workers in society.

President Moon Jae-in decision to remove Japan fast-track trade status, will ultimately depreciate SK most impoverished families income.

The political reasoning behind the present agenda to resort to a cynical form of historic retribution It is President Moon Jae-in failure of Leadership, polices, and the dishonesty of his Government that have created the diplomatic pessimism of the Japan government and people.

knicknaknokker: "The anti-Japan faces in that crowd look like they could be Japanese."

Because you cannot tell the difference, and no one can, despite people saying they can. I have Japanese friends who are constantly asked if they are Chinese, because they don't dye their hair. But those same people claim they can tell the difference.

It would be great to believe oneself to be all right and the other to be all wrong. If the countries/governments were two kids on a playground, I'd look for someone else to play ball with. While I'm here, can I say that the +/- system is pointless. It subtracts rather than adds to the substance.

Sad that the Japanese people are not fully aware of what is happening with SK to actually respond to such protests and take action. Sader still is that many Japanese and S Koreans have married and have family ties in both countries are now faced with a major relationship dilemma.

While nationalism may make sense and is a important and powerful way to unite people of one nation, it is a major issue for those who have a need to recognize both.

If you are going to have mass protests against other countries, at least have your placards in a language they can understand.....

Only a very tiny amount of both Japanese and Korean people get worked up about this matter fueled by childish bickering coming from their respective governments.

I highly doubt anybody is in real danger of physical harm whether it be a Japanese person in South Korea or vice versa.

The rational mind knows who and what led to this escalation. There's only one way to sort a bully out. And that's to stand up to them vociferously!!!

I am Korean and I'll let you know the truth!!

All Japanese in Korea are absolutely safe. No attacks against Japanese are reported.

Warning issued by Japanese government is totally based on fake news.

Just come to Korea and see what will happen to you! I am sure you can enjoy your time in Korea.

Well at least, better not go near Japan embassy as there seems to be some lunatics who throw a bag of human excr@m@nt all over into the area.

https://jp.yna.co.kr/view/AJP20190814002900882

Hiro Aug. 14  07:08 am JST

Is just precaution.

Yes. It is just precaution. What would the Japanese government say if other countries boycott the Tokyo Olympics for precaution on possible radioactive contamination?

You'd do best to avoid the hate-speech filled Christian Right-wing rallies in South Korea. See the Korea Times 16 August 2019.

Otherwise, you'd do worse in the US with TSA and the so-called Proud Boys than in South Korea.