An interview with Japanese journalist on right-wing extremists

An interview with Japanese journalist on right-wing extremists. April. 30, 2013 01:07. lovesong@donga.com.

Amid rightist movements of Japanese politicians, right-wing extremists in Japan are like fish in water. Many point out that not just Japanese political right-wing movements but also the power of Internet are contributing to their active movements.

Koichi Yasuda, a Japanese freelance journalist, said Monday that right-wing extremists in Japan have went beyond the norms. He added that the number of members at right-wing extremist groups has increased amid ignorance of ordinary Japanese people, while there was no system to put a brake on their actions." At the Dong-A Ilbo headquarters in Tokyo, the Japanese journalist said in diagnosing the movements of Japan`s extreme rightists that extremist actions and words of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe partly affected their actions. Among the frequent claims of Abe and extreme rightists are Japanese prime minister`s visit to Yasukuni shrine, Japan`s denial of forcing Korean women into sexual slavery and Japan`s sovereignty claim on Dokdo.

Yasuda said, "Right-wing extremists strengthened power through the Internet but can collapse due to the very Internet. With rallies of right-wing extremists featuring online, Japanese and foreign people are showing hatred to these people and some are opposing to their claims, according to him.

―"Right-wing extremists are showing unusual movements."

"Yes. Recent rallies show slogans such as `Kill Korean people,` `Rape them,` Cut their necks off.` Demonstrators also shouted such slogans last year, but only a very small number of people did. These people have become so drastic that they are using microphones."

―"Why have they become so violent?"

"Extreme rightists are gathering, raising questions over former Korean President Lee Myung-bak`s arrival at Dokdo islets and return of the statue of Buddha at Tsushima City. Ordinary people remain silent because they don`t want to be involved. Media lack criticism. It seems inevitable that extreme rightists have become more violent."

―"Who are participating in the rally?"

"Most of them are members or supporters of the right-wing group that claims to decry “unfair benefits given to Korean people living in Japan.” There are many extreme rightist groups but their members are very few. However, there are 13,000 members of the right-wing group that claims to decry “unfair benefits given to Korean people living in Japan." The number is also increasing.

―"Please explain about the right-wing group that claims to decry “unfair benefits given to Korean people living in Japan."

"Members are comprised in various ages, genders and jobs, from middle school students to those aged 70. Though many are without jobs, company workers who graduated Tokyo University and housewives are also listed. They share two common traits: they feel it is difficult to live in this society, and there are also emotionally ill people. These people are pouring their complaints on Korean people living in Japan."

―"What is Korea`s image to these people?"

"First, Korea is an uncivilized country to them. They think people are beaten or raped when they go to Korea. Second, Korea is a powerful country to them. Korean people in Japan dominate Japan`s decent companies, which they believe."

Yasuda showed a flyer sheet that the group distributed recently. With the title "Let`s abolish discrimination against Japanese people," the flyer showed Korean people in Japan were enjoying preferential treatment, including, "they earn 6 million yen (61,412 U.S. dollars) a year even without doing their job," they do not pay tax," and they use medical services and water for free." All this is absurd and untrue. The group believes Korean people in Japan enjoy special rights while Japanese people are being discriminated.

―"Why do they believe such absurd things?"

"When asking about their complaints, group members talk about South Korea, North Korea, China and media. They think Japanese media are all leftists and hide information. Instead, they trust the Internet and post information online. Take for example a video showing a Korea burning Japanese national flag. The group swiftly posts it online and members who see it think all Korean people act like that. I can say for sure that the group would not have existed if there was no Internet."

―"Are ordinary Japanese people sitting on the side?"

"Until last year, yes. However, there are new movements this year. Some online users are spreading that the group is Japan`s disgrace. They claim group members should leave the country, not Koreans. They counter with rallies when the group rallies. Recently, around 200 group members gathered in the Shin-Okubo Korea Town in Tokyo where 300 opponents also gathered. Among opponents were rightists who disliked Korea. However, even they said the group is going too far."

―"Aren`t there any movements in the political sector?"

"It`s a subtle question. Some politicians are jumping on the bandwagon of the group. They strongly speak about the Dokdo islets and constitutional revision issues being conscious to Internet opinion. Some say supplementary living allowances should not be given to foreigners in Japan. However, others are putting a brake. About 10 politicians including Democratic Party member Yoshio Arita, after visiting the group`s rally, judged there is problem and is preparing a bill to prevent their rallies."