Japan Today
politics

'Made by war criminals' label proposed for some Japanese-made items in S Korean schools

58 Comments
By Ed Jones

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2019 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

58 Comments
Login to comment

The hate & extremism inducing effects of the so-called "truth education" is again making itself known.

18 ( +25 / -7 )

Wow! This is going a bit far Korea! I have a Korean made guitar. Should I change it to, "Made by war slaves"?

22 ( +27 / -5 )

That's pretty awful. Way to live in a present and promote peace... not.

The Korea Herald newspaper condemned what it called "outmoded nationalism" in an editorial Friday, pointing out that the war ended more than 70 years ago and some companies had since changed hands.

The Gyeonggi educational department has come out against the sticker proposal,

Finally some groups in Korea with logic and common sense. Seriously, this is so frustrating. The two free countries that could be the greatest allies in this part of Asia, can't put their bs to the side, LIVE THE PRESENT and start working towards "help(ing) our future generations stand tall." Grrr! Rant over.

21 ( +22 / -1 )

Jeez, South Korea really has a stick up its rear. This is taking the whole thing way off the scale. Korea really needs to get its act together, or risk being ostracized on the world stage.

21 ( +27 / -6 )

President Moon Jae-In is a very good friend to China and of course North Korea! He just don't like Abe!

13 ( +18 / -5 )

Nationalism creates ignorant

15 ( +21 / -6 )

The hypocrisy of the Koreans is astounding. Bin Hoa, Ha My, and of course the Lai Dai Han.

17 ( +23 / -6 )

I think it's a good idea. There needs to be more awareness about Japans atrocities

-27 ( +6 / -33 )

This is so ridiculous. If they can't stand using Japanese products, they simply shouldn't bother purchasing products from Japan. Period.

22 ( +26 / -4 )

Sounds inflammatory to me to take such a step...

16 ( +19 / -3 )

That is not fair for our industries and companies

10 ( +15 / -5 )

Why won't they get over it. These allegations are from 75-110 years ago. Moon is simply looking to use Japan as scapegoat, to distract from his impending coup and disposal.

Aso-sensei is right: it is time to think about putting an embargo on issuing South Korean tourist visas.

8 ( +25 / -17 )

Aso-sensei is right: it is time to think about putting an embargo on issuing South Korean tourist visas.

It’s easy for you to make this kind of comment from Australia, but tourism from South Korea provides jobs and income for people here in Japan.

Anyway, why bar everyone based on the actions of a few?

0 ( +13 / -13 )

LOL!

Go ahead and do it! Be even more pathetic than you already are.

15 ( +19 / -4 )

Kind of want to see this actually happen. Makes Korea look ridiculous in front of the world.

So they should slap all Samsung Galaxies and Hyundai cars with these stickers too because many korean phones and cars parts are manufactured using Japanese parts. LOL

24 ( +26 / -2 )

Better stop buying anything made by IBM, BASF, Bayer etc etc then

15 ( +16 / -1 )

Only buy Japanese products, it is well made quality

5 ( +14 / -9 )

Are they proposing to slap stickers on goods from Germany saying "made by genocidal goose-steppers"?

It's very sad that the so-called "peace faction" of South Korea is so desperate to forge a single Korean identity that the only thing they can think of is hated of Japan. If that's the only thing binding North and South Korea, reunification should be abandoned.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

Why won't they get over it. These allegations are from 75-110 years ago. Moon is simply looking to use Japan as scapegoat, to distract from his impending coup and disposal.

Aso-sensei is right: it is time to think about putting an embargo on issuing South Korean tourist visas.

You just can't help yourself can you?

One province in Korea comes up with a proposal that had been widely condemned by the rest of the Korean establishment and you are already proposing tourist visa restrictions on ordinary Koreans.

Please be part of the solution not the problem.

-14 ( +8 / -22 )

Sounds like a failing government trying to stir-up support. If Europe can get over Germany and those atrocities so can Korea, but they simply don't want to and will bang anti-Japanese propaganda when needed.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Now 27 members of the Gyeonggi provincial legislature have proposed...

27 of how many? If it's 27/28, that's serious. If it's 27/1000, that's hardly significant.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

As a South-East Asian, I find these South Korean tendencies to continously bring up anti-Japanese hatred very childish & political in nature. South Korea is not the only Asian country to suffer under Japanese occupation. But these took place more than 60-70yrs ago. You question what selfish motives these South Koreans have. It is a good thing other more level-headed South Koreans are speaking up against these imbecile actions. One suspects money & politics is involved. They should focus their time & energy into the K-pop sexual harassment accusations coming out. Those K-pop pretty boys are too good to be true, in my opinion.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

Do it and let the market decide.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Cold. Bright side is Japan planted the seeds in Korea for their economic success we see today. And not even a thank you.

17 ( +19 / -2 )

If S. Korea is this bad and nasty towards Japan after decades of apologies and compensation why continue on this path? It's only making Koreans hate Japan even more. It's time to stand up to this Half a Country called S. Korea. Stand up to their hate and bias, to a weak country trying to flex against a pacifist neighbor who's trying to be nice and wants better relations.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

For the good future of Japanese people, Japan needs to reflect on itself of war criminal activities of the past and the present.

-20 ( +3 / -23 )

Jeez! These folk have nothing to do, really! Move on, get a life. War is over...

Why do not Korean blame also Gengis Khan and other invaders of 2000 years ago, like still do Jewish with Assyrians... lol

12 ( +16 / -4 )

It says something that many South Koreans, including politicians and even a newspaper, are speaking out against this ludicrous label idea, as well as criticizing Moon and his administration for anti-Japan policies and rhetoric.

This Moon is a terrible head of state for South Korea. Funny how the anti-Japan crowd keeps complaining about how Japan is the 'aggressive' one, when in fact it has been the government of South Korea that has been for decades.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Wow. It would've been a pain in the ass if we had to put a sticker saying "produced by war criminals" on every Japanese, Italian and German made cars for instance! Hold your tongue on this one Korea!

15 ( +16 / -1 )

Useless windbags. People who engross themselves in their own victim complexes usually have nothing else going for them and contribute nothing to society. It's all they have to try and put their miserable existences on the map. Most people move on and get on with life, while remembering the past and trying to learn from it.

There should be even smaller stickers on the proposed stickers that say "These stickers were made by people who don't make anything else".

19 ( +19 / -0 )

If this went ahead I'd be happy to see Korea lose market access to Japan.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

So, so, so. Korean.

Grow up already. Move on and embrace the need for peace. Stop playing the victim card while crying a tsunami at the same time.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

Based on this article, quote: “Now 27 members of the Gyeonggi provincial legislature have proposed ordering all schools in the region to put stickers on items such as cameras and photocopiers made by Japanese firms they believe are implicated in abuses. They have put together a list of 284 companies, including household names like Toshiba, Mitsubishi and Hitachi.”

The operative words are ‘they believe’. And ‘are’ implicated, or ‘were’ implicated? Without a trial and without a court judgment, can you legally go around making accusations like this? What kind of education is this? What purpose does it serve? It’s certainly not harmonious or inclusive.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

"The task of setting history right is what is needed to help our future generations stand tall."

Few people can appreciate how accurate this statement is. All developed countries teach their own history in a way that portrays their country in a positive, almost superior-like way. Some may object to this, but i think the way people view themselves and their own nation is of extreme importance to their own achievements, and even to democracy itself. People who are brough-up to have low opinion of their nation usually do little to help their nation get better. I am not saying i agree wtih this, i am just describing what i have observed. I also think this is a major issue with African countries as well. People here who come from countries that are associated to positive historical narratives can not understand or appreciate what i am saying.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Japan should retaliate by labeling items from SK as being "made by idiots."

16 ( +16 / -0 )

@IloveCoffee

Lying about history to make your people feel Quote:'portrays their country in a positive, almost superior-like way.' By using Japan to spread hate and unite Koreans and the two Koreas in their Hate towards Japan and Japanese people, towards products from Japan.

Yes perfect logic bro, you need to hate another group of people in order to be united as one country and people. Did Russia or America come into play? They divided Korea after WW2, wasn't Japan that made that decision. Guess they will get a pass on that one. We Koreans will be tough and flex against Pacifist Japan, it will make us feel superior!

6 ( +14 / -8 )

@AlexBecu

Well first of all, Japanese occupation IS the primary factor that led to the Korean war and the division.

Second of all, if teaching the historical facts that a foreign country occupierd your country and enslaved your people constitutes an ''anti-foreign country' education'', does that mean that Indians teaching about the British occupation means they have anti-British education? Or Americans learning about the revolutionary war means they have anti-British education? Is G. Washington an anti-British war criminal? Is France and Poland learning about the Nazis an anti-German education? By your own logic, it is.

Third, my point is that, every nation cherry picks historical events from their history that portray them in a positive way and teaches that narrative to their kids. Many, even most countries also invent their own narratives many of which are based on false interpretation of historical events. I could give you a lot of examples with UK history among others. Even Americans teach a lot of BS lies about their own history.

The point i was making is that having pride in your country is important in many ways for the people of the nation. Creating the narrative that your country is superior IS indirectly teaching that other countries aren't as good as yours. That does not mean you hate other countries, it means you think your country is better. Which nation doesn't think their country is better than others? I can tell you righrt now, it's only the undeveloped countries that are still struggling with getting the right historical narrative in line.

-15 ( +6 / -21 )

@IloveCoffee

Japan did not devide Korea. Fake news. Japan did not even get to say if Korea stays as one country or gets devided.

Before the Korean War, Korea was devided already. Split between North a communist state backed by USSR, they even picked the puppet who will run North.

S. Korea backed by America/democracy, protecting you and coming to your rescue when North attacked and almost took you over. Fact

No one in the world is teaching this much hate towards a neighbor who has apologized dozens of times and paid compesation multiple times,except for you!

The way your flexing is as a Victim! The way your superior is by playing the victim card, building statues to your weakness of comfort women, slave labor statues, it's pathetic and sad that you find that a good thing for Korea.

8 ( +16 / -8 )

.

So Kor is on self-destruct mode.

SK will be absorbed by North Korea - whose propaganda machines are fueling this sentiment . . . .

.

This incessant pathological mantra ( witnessed in previous leadership like Park -who ended up in jail because of her own crimes - ALSO is alienating trust of other free--world countries vis a vis S K.

.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

,

Why JT is continuing to publish this junk news is also confounding... ?????

Japanese companies will withdraw manufacturing firms from SK

.

The J government will implement severe measure that will hurt S Korean companies operating in Japan. - such VISA restrictions and money transfers.

.

This will backfire on SK - whose economy is already in default

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Folks, Samsung and Hyundai break down

2 ( +7 / -5 )

If such a thing were an individuals doing said individual would be in serious need of psychological counseling for getting over it and moving on definitely not healthy.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@AlexBecu

Take a long deep breath, and read what i said again - slowly this time.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

This can be categorized as a hate crime. This government led movement of hatred toward Japan which is nation wide and the hatred is taught in schools to brain wash kids. Anybody who slightly oppose the movement will be severely punished by the government and society. It seems they don't have freedom of speech or expression, so the country resembles totalitarian regime.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

The official list of War Criminals in Korea

1.Japan : War Criminal Nation

2.Emperor Hirohito : War Criminal Emperor

3.Rising Sun Flag : War Criminal Flag

4.Abe Shinzo : The grandson of a War Criminal

5.Tojo Hideki : A war criminal in the league of Adolf Hitler

6.Mitsubishi : The most notable war criminal corporation

7.Kawasaki : Another notable war criminal corporation

8.Subaru : War criminal automobile(Used to be called Nakajima aircraft corporation)

-20 ( +1 / -21 )

Personally I don't think Mitsubishi deserves this "War criminal" labeling, the Korean automotive industry exists today only because of Mitsubishi, which was the only Japanese automaker that taught Koreans how to design and build cars in the 1970s while no other automaker would, in part due to its desire for repentance.

All other War Criminal labelings can stand.

-20 ( +0 / -20 )

i will say this but then SK and Japan better not fight for their past grievences. Please just decide by game of paper and rock who is going to concede one thing and who will concede other issue. Tokyo shall hate Seoul all they want but there is no sane person going to be happy when the chinese start saw the hole and makes ultimate communist influenced korean peninsula. Even All the inhabitants in shirakuni shrine will not be amused.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Time for the world to place a cultural boycott on South Korea until it ceases its disgraceful discrimination against Japan and the Japanese people. Japanese music and culture is still banned from South Korean television and radio.

Let's all boycott K-Pop and other South Korean products.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

A major difference here is that the majority of S. Koreans oppose and condemn the chauvinistic, totemic and instigating proposal from a minority; whereas many Japanese people as seen in this site would cheer up a similar jingoistic anti-S. Korean proposal by Abe administration or other right-wing groups. At least, education and democracy is working in S. Korea.

BTW, the average education and moral level of those members of provincial legislature in S. Korea may be represented by the following example: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/01/251_261876.html

FYI, some of them are just like mobsters (yakuza). I know that yakuza can not represent the Japanese people. Those mobster-like politicians are rare, but ubiquitous around the world.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

A major difference here is that the majority of S. Koreans oppose and condemn the chauvinistic, totemic and instigating proposal from a minority; whereas many Japanese people as seen in this site would cheer up a similar jingoistic anti-S. Korean proposal by Abe administration or other right-wing groups. At least, education and democracy is working in S. Korea.

I'll assume you have broad enough experience in Korea that qualifies you to say such a thing. But if you imagine the few Japanese who post comments here reflect the majority opinion, you're clearly misguided. Seems to me that politicians in both countries are held captive by a small minority of zealots who cower moderate majorities into silence. And the last place any of that will be successfully mediated is online.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

However desperate you want to defend S.K, you could do nothing but just watch how far these insane people would take this mobocratic country up to

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Well first of all, Japanese occupation IS the primary factor that led to the Korean war and the division.

This typical train of thought is exactly what keeps two countries still divided. They can't decide Korean destiny by themselves, only toadying to powers and venting all the discontent over Japan through the twisted pipe called "history recognition" , just like they were for hundreds of years and ended up with being annexed by Japan.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I often imagine a laugh track when South Korea is involved.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

A major difference here is that the majority of S. Koreans oppose and condemn the chauvinistic, totemic and instigating proposal from a minority; whereas many Japanese people as seen in this site would cheer up a similar jingoistic anti-S. Korean proposal by Abe administration or other right-wing groups. At least, education and democracy is working in S. Korea.

Look how young the one who proposed this provincial by-law is . No doubt he grew up completely soaked in biased, horror movies every day in his history class just like little kids demonstrating in front of Japanese embassy . Yes education for brainwashing is working in S.Korea

https://www.google.com/search?q=%E6%88%A6%E7%8A%AF%E4%BC%81%E6%A5%AD+%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%83%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC+%E6%8F%90%E5%94%B1%E8%80%85&rlz=1C1SNJC_jaJP703JP703&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3hqq9hZnhAhVkF6YKHUVeAm44ChD8BQgOKAE&biw=1920&bih=937#imgrc=D2bmVdfqUoZtXM:

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If Korea starts putting "war crime" stickers on children's school supplies that are made by Japanese companies as is now being threatened by Gyeonggi-do province, near Seoul, this situation is going to deteriorate very quickly. That kind of action involving children is going to generate a strong emotional response from average Japanese who so far have not paid a lot of attention to the series of political escalations - from flyovers to fire radars to naval ensigns to international agreement reneging to Supreme Court justices being arrested to demands for personal apologies from “son of a war criminal” -- that have been created and then escalated by Seoul over the past 8 months that Moon has been trying to gain support from Beijing for Korean unification. Sorry, I do not believe in coincidences. Same old game being played with the same tired rules. Korean companies that have large trading positions with Japan best get ready for some serious blow back.

Kim and Xi must be loving this. First Moon drives major divisions between Seoul and Tokyo while also driving the splits between the US and Seoul through cessation of military exercises and at some time in the not too distant future a withdraw of US troops. This is a plan drawn up decades ago in Beijing and it appears to be gaining traction thanks to the all time patsy, Pres. Moon. I cannot decide whether Moon is the "Machurian candidate" of movie lore or simply delusional. Does he really believe that Beijing is ever going to allow for unification?

One of the most curious things about this situation is that it appears that Korea has NO history before 1910 when Japan annexed Korea or after 1945. Over the centuries, how many times has China invaded Korea killing, destroying and raping its way up and down the peninsula, fragmenting the country into pieces that was then manipulated endlessly by Beijing? Apparently, the fact that North Korea invaded the South to start the Korean war is forgiven. Apparently, also forgiven is the fact that (as per Chinese sources) over 3 Million PLA soldiers thru the fake Chinese "People's Volunteer Army" invaded and fought between 1950-1953 in the Korean war leading to (estimated) over 2 Million total Koreans deaths with over 600,000, perhaps as many as 1 million, the majority being civilian, in the South and the total destruction of every city, town and village on the Korean peninsula. And yet it is the "independence struggles" that are most important to Moon as this provides a common "national identity" to North and South.  Nuts!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

South Korea's foreign minister has intervened over a provincial proposal to apply stickers to some Japanese-made items in schools as "made by a Japanese firm responsible for war crimes".

Everytime the south korea governments need something from Japan they always using the History.

i think Moon is trying to use the history for him to re-elect.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Firman NugrahaMar. 23  06:46 am JST

i will say this but then SK and Japan better not fight for their past grievences. Please just decide by game of paper and rock who is going to concede one thing and who will concede other issue. Tokyo shall hate Seoul all they want but there is no sane person going to be happy when the chinese start saw the hole and makes ultimate communist influenced korean peninsula. Even All the inhabitants in shirakuni shrine will not be amused.

I think Seoul shall hate Tokyo you mean. as far as I read of some article/news South korea governments always put the history every political minor/major. The war crimes already paid in the peace treaty agreements but the south korea governments dodge this subject. I know that south korean citizens want sincere apology from Japan governments. I know japan still not do the sincere apology but someday they will or it will in the Moon government but As the Moon governments now always forcing the japan to apology and always tackle the History I think its impossible to happen. Hope in the next governments in south korea they could get a peaceful argument with Japan governments about war crimes than forcing them.
1 ( +1 / -0 )

This idea author deserves to be nominated to the Nobel Prize of Hate. Kindness generate kindness, this is the type of attitude that will lead to increase the level of hostility. Whoever defends this crazy idea is in need of urgent psiquiatric treatment.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites