'Politicians should change'
Former President Lee Myung-bak looks down upon Dokdo during his surprise visit to the country’s easternmost islets in August, 2012. He was the first Korean president to do so, triggering uproar from Japan, which disputes Korea’s sovereignty over the volcanic outcrops. / Korea Times file
Long-term Japanese residents feel caught in drifting ties
By Park Si-soo
Some long-term Japanese residents here think that Korea is taking a too emotional approach toward Japan.
One said politicians have so mishandled the countries’ relations that it has reached a new low, pointing out that they are doing it for their own political purposes.
Another advised that it is important for Koreans to understand one Japanese characteristic ― identifying oneself with the state.
“I think former President Lee Myung-bak’s visit to Dokdo badly hurt Japanese people’s feeling toward Korea,” said Kim Junko, 51, a Japanese national who has been living here for 16 years with her Korean husband. She was referring to the former president’s surprise visit to the country’s easternmost islands, which Japan claims are its territory, on Aug. 10, 2012.
“Following the visit, there was a sharp increase in the number of conservative Japanese citizens who became upset at Korea. It also triggered a rapid increase in the number of news articles critical of Korea.”
She said it is true that numerous Korean women were forced into prostitution for frontline Japanese soldiers during World War II, and Japan’s claim to Dokdo is baseless.
“Perhaps there are political reasons why Japan continues to raise the issues despite strong backlash from Korea,” Kim said.
Asked about a possible breakthrough in the countries’ chilly relations of late, she suggested a key will be for Koreans to understand a bit more about their Japanese neighbors.
“Koreans become too patriotic and emotional when dealing with the ‘comfort women’ and Dokdo issues. I understand it, but it’s not helpful in changing the situation,” she said. “You should know that Japanese are as patriotic as Koreans.
“Because of our historical background, Japanese people tend to equate themselves with their country, which means if Japan is criticized by Korea, they feel like the criticism falls on all of them. Korea should be aware of this when seeking a breakthrough.”
Takai Midori, 51, a professional Japanese-Korean translator who has lived in Korea for 22 years, echoed that view, saying Koreans become too emotional when dealing with Japan-related issues.
“I fully understand why,” she said. “But it is doubtful many Koreans know what actually happened in the past. I think many Koreans just criticize Japan after being caught up in emotion.”
On top of the diplomatic issues, Takai said Korea should make a greater effort to relieve deep-seated animosity against Japan among those in the general public.
“I once met a 5-year-old kid who asked, ‘Are you Japanese? If so, I should kill you,’” she recollected. “I don’t know how and why the little boy had such a sentiment. No matter what the reason may be, it’s obvious that the boy will hate Japan in the future unless something is done to change it. As long as such an animosity exists, the emotional fight between Japan and Korean will continue forever.”
Watanabe Miho, 38, a housewife who has been living in Korea for two years with her Korean husband, was reluctant to speak about political conflicts. Instead, she said, “These are issues I didn’t take seriously when I was in Japan, while Koreans seem to take them very seriously.”
Expected to deliver a baby in the weeks to come, Watanabe said, “I hope everything will be resolved peacefully to ensure that my child will live in a better world.”