NYtoday comments

It's not like they didn't know what the consequences were. You'd tell a suffering drug addict, "You knew what you were dealing with." So same should go for a caught drug dealer.

They are not juvies who didn't know better but still can. I'm sure they have enjoyed all the weath and underground fame while disrespecting the law and destroying people's lives. Time to pay up.

His wife gave birth here and the couple gave their son a Korean middle name

That's really sweet.

It is actually pretty bad how we take this less seriously. I mean, imagine NK fires at any other country. It means war.

Yet the world is too busy criticizing Japan's "nationalism" and how it is stepping back to her "Imperialism"???

@Wc626

And japanese men will always be the "stereotype" rapers, plunderers, gropers, Enjokosai Advocates. etc. Is it any wonder why there are so many "naughty" bars, soaplands, and sex-hotels here. Japan sets an institutionalized pattern of these sorts.

While this is not neccessarily untrue (haha, sorry but some Japanese men are true creeps and a few are downright criminals!) such argument can easily backfire you when people often find Korean women in prostitution business in countires like Australia and the USA. They sometimes even bother to name their "massage parler" Japanesey such as "Sakura" or "Fuji" or simply pretend to be Japanese. Ehh, what's up?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_South_Korea

Prostitution in South Korea is illegal,but according to The Korea Women's Development Institute, the sex trade in Korea was estimated to amount to 14 trillion South Korean won ($13 billion) in 2007, roughly 1.6 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.

Well, at least this one seems (at least in this picture) peaceful. No bird killing, no cow blood splashing, no excution play. Those are bad for children to see.

if the parents are pleading innocence its' because their necks on are on the line

This part, I agree. The father of group leader A (18) says to the media that A was home with his family at the time of murder. I am very curious to find our if this statement is true. The media reported boys being captured in several surveillance cameras nearby crime scene as well as with phone (Line) records as the reason for arrest.

Those families were very quick to guard up with lawyers as well. On NHK, the camera caught A and his lawyer in a backseat of the car, chatting with relaxed smile. A has been refusing to talk—that says a lot, though.

@toshiko

OMG! You are funny! I hardly encounter those black vans and when I do, I don't get too close. If they want their ideas to be heard, they need to come up with a different approach. Perhaps a marketing campaign with Hello Kitty with pink van or something.

Prime Minister Abe and the LDP don’t like the idea of same-sex marriage

Did they actually say that? Or Mari Miura is assuming they don't like same-sex marriage? Couldn't find source in Japanese.

@toshiko

I met Uyoku by their invitation last year.

WHAT?! I am thrilled!! Would you mind sharing the story with us? Anyway, considering the numbers of uyoku organizations in Japan, I am sure they are all different in their own way. You see different slogans and ideologies on their vans.

@turbotsat

I am still learning a lot about this "zainichi in uyoku" thing and having a hard time fulling understanding the picture. After all, it's underground matter and I've lived far from it.

I guess my point was that "even though zainichi Koreans tend to criticize Japan and its political direction under Abe (including this hate-speech issue) often times using label such as 'right-wingers' and 'nationalists,' they need to know there are some Koreans in that very black van." Hence, they need to avoid portraying zainich Koreans as 'victims' of Japan as a whole.

So where is the evidence of either of these?

I think he is a good example of zainichi Korean uyoku who was publicly recognized: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroyuki_Jo

Also, some zainichi themselves openly admits zainichi uyoku: "街宣右翼の中の在日韓国・朝鮮人の存在に関する証言記録 元公安調査官の菅沼光弘は、外国特派員協会での記者会見で「在日韓国・朝鮮人や被差別部落出身者が暴力団員の9割を占め、右翼活動によって収益を上げている」と語っている。但し、菅沼自身、朝鮮総連との深い関わりがあり事の真相は解っていない。また現在、右翼活動で資金を獲るのは困難だと右翼団体関係者の談もある。[9]。 辛淑玉が英語版アサヒコムの「Korean activist braces for `storm of fascism'」[10]で、右翼の中に多数の在日韓国・朝鮮人がいる事に触れている[11]。" http://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/街宣右翼

it is a 'friendship' van. How does that make it anti-Korean?

That was my point. With this slogan, our perception of "uyoku=anti-Korean" fails.

Again, this is an deep issue and I have more research to do. And it is extremely hard to find ariticles in English on this matter. I am ordering bunch of books to study further...

@Hotmail

I have no knowledge of any South Koreans engaging publicly in hate speech

Let us all take our 2 seconds and do a Google Image Search for "south korean anti-japan demonstration."

Abe lookalike kowtowed and decapitated by an axe, Japan flag burned, Japanese car splashed with cow blood...

Thoughts? At least they have free speech, good.

@toshiko

Have you visited uyku honbe and tinterviewed them? Didn't they asj you why you dio not 'keibetsu' Chosenjin> Don;t they ask yiy ti stio /america kabure? i mean current uyoku I am writing, I am old so they are very polite.

As articles I provided in my past comments suggests, there are many zainichi Koreans in today's uyoku (and that statement came from pro-Korean zainichi activist!), therefore, they have no reason to personally discriminate against Koreans (whether South or North.) My link also shows black vans with a slogan "Korea-Japan Friendship." PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT.

I don't think you are in denial but please widen your knowledge by at least considering different opinions and new studies. You may have this solid, concrete idea of your old uyoku from 70 years ago (!) but their own people, power/money source, ideologies and strategies have changed as Japan and her politics has changed.

Asking me if my statements were based on my own interview with uyoku is bit too much! Do I have to talk to ISIS folks in person before I criticise their act?!

@GindbergLLC

Don't be so hard on yourself. As you know, Japan isn't a perfect world. Hold the vomit and fly home.

@toshiko

Try to use Jaoanese English or /english Japanese dictionary instead f google when you want to research any Japanese culture.

This part, I agree. If one wants to deepen knowledge in certain area, for instance, Japan, you better know the language.

Uyoku (right wing) people do not like any foreigners. That is their tradition way before WW II time. You become friends with U/SA people you (if you are Japanese) you will be classified as traiter by uyoku.

Well, this does not apply to today's uyokus (here I am particularly referring to 街宣右翼—the ones with black vans.) http://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/街宣右翼 Sorry for my laziness to give you a wikipedia link but I am sure it'll be a good start if you want to research further.

Also, let me provide an interesting blog archive in English. It's just that the fact zainich Koreans are involved with uyoku really fascinates me.

Heavy Zainichi Korean Presence in Japanese Uyoku

"Obviously not all the Uyoku groups are Zainichi, but Koreans are less than 1% of the population and with Korean leaders of at least 5 out of 25 extreme right wing groups, that makes about 20% of the leadership Korean, if the sources quoted by that blogger is correct. If Koreans are as represented in the rank and file of the Uyoku as much as they are in the Yakuza, that means that they are hugely over represented. One wonders about the motivations of Zainichi Koreans joining these groups."

http://www.occidentalism.org/heavy-zainichi-korean-presence-in-japanese-uyoku/

Notice the van mentioned in the link use the term "韓日友好 (Korea-Japan Friendship)" which is a nice thing for uyokus to say, however, you know you wouldn't say 韓日 if you are Japanese. Just like we never say 米日 but 日米.

@turbotsat

You might need to google in Japanese. Anyway, I found an Asahi Shimbun article (web archive) in English in which 辛淑玉, Shin Sugok, a well-known zainichi Korean activist talks about Koreans in Uyoku:

Korean activist braces for `storm of fascism' By PAUL BAYLIS, Asahi Shimbun News Service

"Asked whether she is concerned that her outspokenness will draw the ire of right-wing forces, she is defiant.

'I hope they send the sound trucks over and park them outside my window. I will set up my own loudspeakers and blast them right back!'

Most of those who appear to be right-wingers, she says, are just frustrated people feeling the same sense of isolation that minorities such as herself feel. Many, in fact, are Koreans, she said."

http://www37.tok2.com/home/koreanworld/data/archives/pseudo_chosun_right/K2001120900069.html

Also, in Japan Times:

From rackets to real estate, yakuza multifaceted BY ERIC JOHNSTON

"What’s the difference between the yakuza and the rightwing?—While cynics say “not much,” there are differences. Many yakuza are Korean or Chinese residents of Japan or hail from the “buraku” communities, Japan’s traditional, but technically former, outcasts. For this reason, they deplore the xenophobic and racist attitudes of the rightwing movement.

One such reported Yamaguchi-gumi-linked mobster of Korean descent, Hiroyuki Jo, made headlines in April 1995 in a scene reminiscent of Jack Ruby in Dallas in 1963. Jo, due to his “outrage” over Aum Shinrikyo’s sarin attack on Tokyo’s subway system, fatally stabbed the cult’s science chief, Hideo Murai, in front of a swarm of reporters. Tabloids reported that Jo actually wanted to silence Murai before he could reveal how the sect had been making narcotics and guns for the mob."

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/02/14/reference/from-rackets-to-real-estate-yakuza-multifaceted/#.VOyWE4E8KrU

I personally despise those black vans. When I was little, I used to see them in front of train station and my mother often jokingly said, "if you don't behave, they will take you away!" looking at little me terrified by their loud noise and ugly decals...LOL.

Those who bash and trash Uyokus and voice discrimination against minorities, though, need to think deeper. The story isn't black and white. Some minorities are them.

And for those who keeps up with "Koreans are still discriminated against...look at Zaitokukai." I don't like "Zaitokukai." But when I listen to their counterpart former Shibakitai or current C.R.A.C formed by zainichis, they are equally awful in hate-speech field. They openly show their hate towards certain Japanese on their Twitter and offline gatherings. Put one side on a pedestal and critisize the other is dangerous. The world is more complicated than heroes and villans.

Extremists are everywhere.

@Yoshimi Onishi

"It is difficult to enact a law to define what is correct speech because it could lead to oppression." is just a poor excuse for wanting to do nothing about it.

I think it's true, though. Who decides "correct speech" and how? Let me take my last comment above for an example:

"I am very curious to find out how some zainichi Koreans end up in Uyoku dantai. (Those who have no idea what I am talking about, please use Google and next time you see those annoying black vans, find hangul and Korean flag on them.) I get some zainichi end up in yakuza since there is always certain number of outlaws in any ethnic group, unfortunately. Any thoughts?"

Is it a politically okay speech or am I somehow possibly insulting some zainichi Korean's reputation? Hence, "I don't care enough about Korean residents?" Do I need to come up with source and proper evidence every time I speak of a touchy subject and get ready for a lawsuit?

The real problem here is simply that Abe and his government doesn't care enough about Korean residents.

Considering the outstanding percentage of zainich Koreans who receive 生活保護 social welfare compared to other foreigners, I think the government do care about Koreans. Also, the Japanese government allows North Koreans in Japan to educate their kids with their ideology and political agenda in the name of "free speech," regardless of current relationship between Japan and North Korea.

If anything, all non-Japanese residents including Koreans should be cared and treated equally. Not just Korean residents.

@Frungy

Just ask ANYONE who knows the level of sanitation, tidyness, and cleanliness in Chinatown of ANY country. Our state had to put down so much tax money and manpower to gradually clean the street, educate restaurants and residents about recycling, following city's regulation codes by the health dept., no littering, taking trash only on trash day, and etc.

This is not to criticize their lifestyle or culture. I say do whatever in their own country. You don't need to be defensive. We are well aware there are some rude, immoral japanese people who litter, cut in line and what not, too.

But "When in Rome..." sort of respect would be nice while they are in a place where different rules and moral code apply. Would you allow them to spit, litter, and have their youngster poo poo in your backyard?

I tell my friends "NO SHOES IN THE HOUSE" and appreciate they follow the rule when they come over. Some started taking their shoes off in their home, too.

@Ian

When i go to japan, everyone is so polite and peaceful

Everyone but those pachinko junkies! Look at their eyes... Haha...

Pictures of suspects (a group of troubled well-known local teenagers, senpais of the victim) have gone viral over the Internet.

Clearly locals and classmates had been aware of the victim's unfortunate situation but decided not to make a big deal out of it till he was murdered. They perhaps underestimated the possible outcome or were too scared to speak up. But now with police involved and media coverage, the people turned into keyboard warriors.

Japanese tendency to avoid trouble or "let’s-don’t-rock-the-boat principle," really upsets me. Bullying at school is often overlooked, ignored, and covered-up by very adults who should be actively involved to prevent it, showing the moral and right, civil attitude to kids. But that's not the case.

@Wc626 and others

I am very curious to find out how some zainichi Koreans end up in Uyoku dantai. (Those who have no idea what I am talking about, please use Google and next time you see those annoying black vans, find hangul and Korean flag on them.) I get some zainichi end up in yakuza since there is always certain number of outlaws in any ethnic group, unfortunately. Any thoughts?

@rickyvee

I agree. Just by looking at list of succeful zainichi Korean rich and famous past 70 years, you can tell they play great role in Japanese society. Athletes, artists, celebrities, CEOs...Pachinko, Lotte, Yellow Cab, Reeve 21... And some cities allow them to work for the city. Technically, they are not Japanese but they can work for the government because they are 特別永住者 Koreans. (In a way, it is a discrimination against other non-Japanese permanent residents, I have to point out.)

If Japan was really to discriminate against ethnic Koreans, those kids wouldn't be allowed to worship Mr. Kim and learn how great and awesome North Korea is at their minjok school while their home country keeps shooting missels in poor sea of Japan.

@MountBlade

Nice video! Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H91QN6ho8jU

I can totally live without Disney but I'd be veryupset if the extension of copyright law will eliminate many of current public domain works on Aozora Bunko and whatnot.

So far this is the best Dokdo/Takeshima research website with maps, archives and books. Detailed and accurate English/Japanese/Korean translation by volunteers, too.

http://dokdo-or-takeshima.blogspot.com

100% agree with igloobuyer's comment.

@B-El-Larsen

You are absolutely correct. And there are many friends of Red Army under different names and groups in Japan disguised in liberals. Let's not forget Peaceboat 辻元清美’s husband is Red Army also. Lefties bash Uyokus hard but they tend to overlook the danger far-left and crime they have committed in the name of their justice.

Ideology needs to find a good balance, clearly.

Reaction here is always opposite to JT Facebook where more people join and comment, with less anonymity. Interesting.

7 more to go.

@SenseNoSoCommon

Your French motorist theory, while interesting, misses two points.

Not everyone is aware of 遺失物等横領罪 and possible conseqences. Therefore, not everyone brings a wallet to police out of self-preservation. Some just wants to "do the right thing" following their own moral principle.

As a poster above witnessed, some would want to avoid the trouble and ignores the wallet. Now your French motorist cannot dodge an encounter with the cyclist ahead of him/her (unless U-turning,) a Japanese person choose not to pick up the wallet and bring it to the police. Just ignore the wallet.

There are three groups of people here in front of the wallet. 1: that steals 2: that ignores and 3: that reports to the police. I assume from the article and posters experiences here that in Japan, group 3 outnumbers group 1 among many group 2. And isn't that simply a good thing.

@Matthew Harding

Why did you leave your bag and scooter out in public, though?

I lived and visited many countries all over the world and I think Japan is the safest place in general—but I don't leave my purse and Vespa with key even in my friend's driveway. (I mean, why would I?)

Not everyone is nice and Japanese is no exception. I'm sorry to hear your experience, though. It really sucks!!

@tina

If you want to feel better, go to JT Facebook and read comments there. In spite of its lesser anonymity, the discussion is pretty active and healthy and opinions are diverse.

Fresh air for Tina :-)