South Korean Diaspora in Japan: Suffrage and Covid-19 Issues

Main Article Content

Rizqi Wisnu Mauludino
Kurniawaty Iskandar

Abstract

Ever since the conclusion of the Second World War, the Korean diaspora in Japan remains as one of the largest diaspora groups in the country even when compared to that of other nations. Currently, the majority of the diaspora are South Korean-affiliated, with their primary diaspora organization being the Mindan organization. This paper explains how Mindan, along with other South Korean-related organizations such as Seinenkai (Korean Youth Association) and Korean Chamber of Commerce in Japan (KCCJ), have taken actions to support the advocacy of the South Korean diaspora’s rights in the economic, cultural, politics, and many other fields. With varying levels of success, Mindan has become the most prominent Korean diaspora organization in Japan over the past few years as well as Seinenkai and KCCJ in advocating the living rights of the South Korean diaspora to create better living standards for their welfare in Japan.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

How to Cite
Mauludino, R. W., & Iskandar, K. (2022). South Korean Diaspora in Japan: Suffrage and Covid-19 Issues. WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies, 11(1), 51–68. Retrieved from https://ejournal.um.edu.my/index.php/IJEAS/article/view/33287
Section
Articles

References

“「選挙権ほしいなら帰化を」 県会議長発言” ([Naturalize if you want the right to vote]: Remarks by

the prefectural chairman).” Asahi Shimbun. 2006. http://mytown.asahi.com/hiroshima/news.php?k_id=35000000606290002

“外国人地方参政権/各界の意見聴取し実現を (Foreign local government / Hearing opinions from

various fields and realizing).” San-in Chuo Shimpo. 2010.

Ace Project. “Election System in Japan” Ace Project. Accessed January 10, 2022.

https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/JP/election-system-in-japan-free-choice-foundation.

Adachi City Assembly. “20-7 永住外国人への地方参政権付与をしないよう求める陳情 (20-7 –

Petition not to grant local suffrage to permanent resident foreigners).” 2008. https://www.gikai-adachi.jp/g07_SeiganView.asp?SrchID=163&Title=%89i%8FZ%8AO%8D%91%90l%82%D6%82%CC%92n%95%FB%8EQ%90%AD%8C%A0%95t%97%5E%82%F0%82%B5%82%C8%82%A2%82%E6%82%A4%8B%81%82%DF%82%E9%92%C2%8F%EE&kword1=&kword2=#gsc.tab=0

Bureau of Statistics of Japan. “第16章 外国人人口” (Chapter 16: Foreign Population).” 2010.

https://www.stat.go.jp/data/kokusei/2010/final/pdf/01-16.pdf

Chi-dong, Lee. “(News Focus) Two Korean groups in Japan seek reconciliation.” Yonhap News. 17

May 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20061003225439/http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20060517/630000000020060517174714E7.html

Chongryon. “朝鮮総聯について~朝鮮総聯の結成 主体的組織の誕生 (About Chongryon – Formation

of Chongryon: Birth of an independent organization).” 2022. http://www.chongryon.com/j/cr/index2.html

Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. California: SAGE

Publications Inc., 1994.

Day, S. “Japan: the contested boundaries of alien suffrage at the local level.” Democratization Vol.

, No. 3 (2009): 571.

E-Stat Japan, “Foreign Residents by Nationality/Region of Residence (Purpose of Residence)”, 2021,

https://www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?page=1&layout=datalist&toukei=00250012&tstat=000001018034&cycle=1&year=20190&month=24101212&tclass1=000001060399&tclass2val=0

Excite, “転職支援のワークポート、在日本大韓民国青年会と業務提携” (Workport for job change

support, business tie-up with Korean Youth Association in Japan).” 2020. https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Prtimes_2020-01-27-39106-46/

Firkola, Peter, Japanese Recruitment Practices –Before and After the Global Financial Crisis-, in

Economic Journal of Hokkaido University Vol. 40 (2011).

Fujisaki, M., “ルーツは在日、国籍は日本の私 両方に壁を感じながら, 多文化を生きる (I have roots

in Japan and my nationality is Japanese – Living multiculturally while feeling the walls on both sides).” 2020. https://globe.asahi.com/article/14048822

Fukuoka, Yasunori and Gill, Tom, Lives of young Koreans in Japan, (Trans-Pacific Press, 2000),

xxxviii.

“General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chosen Soren).” Global Security. 2010.

https://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/dprk/chosen_soren.htm

Groenendijk, Kees. “Voting Rights for Nationals of Non-EU States.” Bundeszentrale fur politische

Bildung. 22 May 2014. https://www.bpb.de/gesellschaft/migration/kurzdossiers/184711/voting-rights-for-nationals-of-non-eu-states

Hamaguchi, Keiichiro. “How Have Japanese Policies Changed in Accepting Foreign Workers?” Japan

Labor Issues No. 3, No. 14 (2019), 2-7.

Hester, Jeffry T., “Datsu Zainichi-ron: An emerging discourse on belonging among Ethnic Koreans in

Japan”, in Nelson, H.H., Ertl, J., Tierney, R. Kenji (Eds.), Multiculturalism in the new Japan: crossing the boundaries within, (Berghahn Books, 2014), 144-145.

Imamura, Keiji. Prehistoric Japan: New Perspectives on Insular East Asia. Routledge, 1996.

Jennissen, Roel Peter W. Macro-economic determinants of international migration in Europe. Amsterdam: Dutch University Press, 2004.

Johnston, Eric. “Referendum a pivotal moment for Osaka and its politicians.” The Japan Times. 13

October 2020. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/10/13/national/osaka-election-merger-faq/

Kanagawa KCCJ. “We carried out income tax return filling consultation” (所得税確定申告相談を実

施しました).” 2021. https://kanagawakcci.org/?p=3823

Kanagawa Prefecture. “To all business owners in Kanagawa Prefecture” (神奈川県の事業者のみなさ

まへ).” 2021. https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/documents/60393/chirashi0901.pdf

Kanagawa Prefecture. “To all businesses affected by the epidemic of the new coronavirus infection” (

新型コロナウイルス感染症の流行により影響を受けている事業者の皆様へ).” 2021. https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/jf2/coronavirus2020/index.html

KCCJ. “(経済産業省) 「新型コロナウイルス感染症に係る資金繰り対策の対象事業者を拡大する

方針です」 (Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Trade “We plan to expand the number of businesses targeted for financing measures for new coronavirus infectious disease”).” 2020. https://kccj.org/info/2173/

KCCJ. “一般社団法人 在日韓国商工会議所とは” (What is the Korean Chamber of Commerce in

Japan?).” 2021. https://kccj.org/about/

KCCJ. “事業活動 (Business Activities).” 2022. https://kccj.org/activities/Kyodo. “Osaka rejects plan

to break up city in referendum for 2nd time.” Nikkei Asia. 1 November 2020. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Osaka-rejects-plan-to-break-up-city-in-referendum-for-2nd-time

Kyodo. “Japan plans tax breaks for foreign nationals to attract financial experts.” The Japan Times. 25

November 2020. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/25/business/japan-tax-breaks-foreign-nationals-finance/

Kyodo. “Tokyo suburb rejects proposal allowing foreigners to vote.” Nikkei Asia. 21 December 2021.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-immigration/Tokyo-suburb-rejects-proposal-allowing-foreigners-to-vote

Kyodo News Writers/ “Tokyo city committee Oks plan for foreigners to vote in referendums.” Kyodo

News. 14 December 2021. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/12/4cdf1190b2aa-tokyo-city-committee-oks-plan-for-foreigners-to-vote-in-referendums.html

Lie, John. “Zainichi: The Korean Diaspora in Japan.” Education About Asia: Asian Intercultural

Contacts 14, No. 2 (Fall 2009): 16.

Massey, Douglas S. “Theories of International Migration: A Review and Appraisal.” Population and

Development Review 19, No. 3 (1993): 431-466.

Matsuda, Kyohei. “民団、民主・公明支援へ 次期衆院選 選挙権付与めざす” (Mindan aims

to grant election rights to the next House of Representatives election to support democratic and public affairs).” Asahi. 12 December 2008. https://megalodon.jp/2008-1212-1234-59/www.asahi.com/politics/update/1211/TKY200812110336.html

METI. “Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Basic Act: Chapter I General Provisions.” 1999.

https://www.chusho.meti.go.jp/sme_english/outline/08/01_01.html

METI. “Industries Subject to No.5 Safety Nets for Financing Guarantee to be Designated (target

industries for the first quarter of FY2020).” 2020. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2020/0323_005.html

METI. “METI’s Support Measures for Companies Concerning the Impacts of the Novel Coronavirus

Disease.” 2020. https://www.meti.go.jp/english/covid-19/index.html

Mindan. “[Youth Association Central Department] Discrimination purpose is not permitted..

Requesting form for use of public facilities (青年会中央本部>差別目的は不許可に…公共施設

利用で要望書).” 2017. https://www.mindan.org/news/mindan_news_view.php?cate=0&page=1&number=23254&keyfield=title&keyfield1=body&key=%E5%9C%A8%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%A4%A7%E9%9F%93%E6%B0%91%E5%9B%BD%E9%9D%92%E5%B9%B4%E4%BC%9A

Mindan. “Don’t exclude foreigners from support measures...” Mindan requests to Komeito (「支援策

で外国人除外せぬよう」…民団が公明党に要望書).” 2020. https://www.mindan.org/news/mindan_news_view.php?cate=0&page=1&number=26022&keyfield=title&keyfield1=body&key=%E5%9C%A8%E6%97%A5%E9%9F%93%E5%9B%BD%E5%95%86%E5%B7%A5%E4%BC%9A%E8%AD%B0%E6%89%80

Mindan. “Overcoming the corona damages and strengthening the bond to the future... Mindan Society

” (コロナ禍を乗り越えて未来への絆をより強く…民団社会 2020年).” 2020. https://www.mindan.org/news/mindan_news_view.php?cate=0&page=1&number=26643&keyfield=title&keyfield1=body&key=%E3%83%91%E3%83%81%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B3

Mindan. “What is the Korean Mindan?” 2021. https://www.mindan.org/aboutus.php

Mindan. “Mindan (Korean Residents Union in Japan) Submission to the Universal Periodic Review

of Japan (3rd Cycle) on Discrimination against Zainichi Koreans (Korean Residents in Japan).” United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 2017. https://uprdoc.ohchr.org/uprweb/downloadfile.aspx?filename=4328&file=EnglishTranslation

Ministry News. “Foreign Minister Meets with Delegation from Korean Community in Japan.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. 7 February 2017. https://www.mofa.go.kr/www/brd/m_4080/view.do?seq=369909

Ministry News. “강경화 장관, 재일본대한민국민단 여건이 단장 등 간부진 접견 (Minister Kang

Kyung-wha meets with executives including the head of the Korean People’s Association in

Japan).” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. 7 January 2020. https://www.mofa.go.kr/www/brd/m_4080/view.do?seq=369909

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the Empire of Japan

and the Kingdom of Korea, Treaty of Kanghwa, Kokato Treaty. Tokyo, Japan: Diplomatic Record Office of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1876. Ministry of Justice of Japan. “Focal

Issues of International Public Security in 2006.” 2006.

http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/PSIA/psia02-03.html

Mie, Ayako. “Debate on foreigner voting rights reignites ahead of 2020 Olympics.” The Japan Times.

August 2014. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/08/20/national/politics-diplomacy/debate-foreigner-voting-rights-reignites-ahead-2020-olympics/

Moon, Rennie. “Koreans in Japan: Pre-war Japan and the Origins of the Korean Diaspora.” Stanford:

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. 2010. https://fsi-live.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/Koreans_inJapan.pdf

Munson, T. “Contextualizing Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko.” Asian Literature in the Humanities and the

Social Sciences Vol. 24, No. 3 (2019), 54-57.

Nagao, K., “Granting Voting Rights to Foreign Residents Violates the Constitution.” Chuo Online. 1

March 2010. https://yab.yomiuri.co.jp/adv/chuo/dy/opinion/20100301.html

Nagasa ki Prefecture. “永住外国人への地方参政権付与の法制化に反対する意見書 (Opinion against

the legislation of granting local suffrage to permanent residents).” 2009. https://www.pref.nagasaki.jp/gikai/2111teirei/tayori2111_ikensyo.html

Nakamura, Akemi. “We are all ‘Residents of Japan’: The Construction of Common Identity and the

Success of the Anti-fingerprinting movement.” Japanstudien 16, no. 1 (2005): 145.

Narasimha, Yalla Venkata Surya Rama and Kotecha, Rushabh. “Chongryon’s Scenario in Japan.”

International Journal for Advance Research and Development 3, no. 1 (January 31, 2018). https://www.ijarnd.com/manuscript/chongryons-scenario-in-japan/

Osaka City Government. “住民基本台帳人口・外国人登録人口” (Basic Resident Register

Population/Alien Registration Population).” 2018. https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/ikuno/page/0000427171.html

Osaka Mindan, “「みんなで考えよう!住民投票シンポジウム」開催のご案内 (Information on the

event [Let’s Think Together! Referendum Symposium]).” 2020. http://www.mindan-osaka.org/kccbbs/kannews_viewbody.php?number=990

Seinenkai. “組織概要/紹介” (Organization Overview/Introduction).” 2021.

https://www.seinenkai.org/%e7%b5%84%e7%b9%94%e6%a6%82%e8%a6%81/%e7%b4%b9%e4%bb%8b

Shain, Yoshi. “The Role of Diasporas in Conflict Perpetuation or Resolution.” SAIS Review 22, No. 2

(2002): 115-144.

Shiramizu, Shigehiko. “在日外国人と日本人とのコミュニケーション--地域における交流・支援活

動の実態 (特集 異文化交流・異文化理解) (Communication between foreigners living in Japan and Japanese People – Actual conditions of exchange and support activities in the region [Special feature: Intercultural exchange and understanding of different cultures]).” Hiroshima University International Student Center, 1999.

Supreme Court of Japan. “1993 (Gyo-Tsu) 163.” 1995.

https://www.courts.go.jp/app/hanrei_en/detail?id=201.

Suzuki, Kazuko. “The State and Racialization: The Case of Koreans in Japan.” 2003.

https://ccis.ucsd.edu/_files/wp69.pdf

Takahashi, Kosuke. “Chongryon still Pyongyang’s pawn in covert operations: former intelligence

officer.” NK News. 28 February 2014. https://www.nknews.org/2014/02/chongryon-still-pyongyangs-pawn-in-covert-operations-former-intelligence-officer/

Tamura, Toshiyuki. “The Status and Role of Ethnic Koreans in the Japanese Economy.” In The Korean

Diaspora in the World Economy, ed., ed. C. Fred Bergsten and Inbom Choi, 77-99. New York: Columbia University Press, 2003.

The Council of the European Union. “Council Directive 94/80/EC of 19 December 1994 laying down

detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals.” EUR-Lex. 19 December 1994. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:31994L0080&from=EN&lang=e

United Nations. “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” 1948.

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/UDHR/Documents/UDHR_Translations/eng.pdf.

Uranaka, Taiga and Ando, Ritsuko. “Japan’s pachinko industry braces for anti-addiction regulation.”

Reuters. 27 July 2018. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-pachinko-idUSKBN1KG35H

Weiner, M. Race and Migration in Imperial Japan. Routledge, London: The Sheffield Centre for

Japanese Studies/Routledge Series, 1994.

Workport. “会社情報 (About Us).” 2021. https://www.workport.co.jp/aboutus/

Workport. “在日本大韓民国青年会x Workport (Korean Youth Association x Workport).” 2021.

https://www.workport.co.jp/seinenkai_wp/

Zushi City Government.“住民投票制度 (Referendum System).” Zushi City Official Website.

https://www.city.zushi.kanagawa.jp/syokan/simin/jyuumintouhyou/