A Sankei Shimbun editorial by Rui Abiru demonstrates with official data and Diet records that the so-called myth of forced abduction of Koreans to Japan is historically unfounded. These are facts the Japanese people and the world must know.

This is a fact—the truth—that all Japanese citizens and people around the world must know.
2017-08-03
The following is from this morning’s Sankei Shimbun.
It is an article that proves that journalist Rui Abiru is one of the very few genuine, active newspaper reporters remaining in Japan today.
At the same time, it also proves, one hundred percent, the correctness of my own commentary.
This is a fact—the truth—that all Japanese citizens and people around the world must know.
Naturally, it is a fact that has never been conveyed to those who subscribe to the Asahi Shimbun or the Mainichi Shimbun, or who watch their affiliated television networks.

Let Us Abandon the “Myth” of Forced Abduction of Zainichi Koreans
Judicial opinions are divided over whether excluding Korean schools from the high school tuition-free program constitutes unjust discrimination.
While the Hiroshima District Court ruling on the 19th of last month completely dismissed the schools’ claims, the Osaka District Court ruling on the 28th found in favor of the schools, stating that the government’s decision constituted an abuse of discretion.
The author believes that the Hiroshima ruling—which recognized the influence of Chongryon and the North Korean regime over Korean schools—is more reasonable and appropriate, but discussion of that point will be left for another occasion.

Only 245 Out of 610,000 Were Drafted
At present, in South Korea, the issue of wartime Korean laborers is once again being distorted as if it were a matter of unpaid forced abduction and forced labor, with anti-Japan films being produced and released.
This makes it worthwhile to reconsider why so many Koreans came to reside in Japan.
Let me make this clear: I have absolutely no intention of excluding or discriminating against so-called “Zainichi” residents.
However, I strongly feel that the misunderstanding—that they are descendants of victims of forced abduction—namely the “forced abduction myth,” remains deeply entrenched.
What, then, are the facts?
As pointed out in this column on May 19, a government survey conducted in 1959 (published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) shows that out of approximately 610,000 Koreans residing in Japan at the time, only 245 had come as drafted laborers.
In other words, almost all Zainichi Koreans are descendants of people who came to Japan of their own will or accompanied by family members.

Supporting Illegal Entrants With Taxpayer Money
At the House of Representatives Judicial Affairs Committee on June 18, illegal entrants from South Korea and their criminal activities were discussed.
During that session, Junya Koizumi, then Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Justice, stated clearly:
“Among the approximately 600,000 Koreans, it would not be much of an exaggeration to say that not a single one wishes to return to their homeland. On the other hand, from over there, they come flooding in—risking their lives to stow away, using any means available.”
“All of them must be supported with national funds, with the hard-earned tax money of Japanese citizens. And unless they are treated with the utmost care, issues such as alleged human rights violations will arise. One might even ask whether it is necessary to prioritize Koreans above all else at the expense of Japanese taxpayers.”
In response, LDP member Takashi Shiina also raised the following question:
“Isn’t it the case that they keep coming simply because they know they can make a living once they get to Japan?”

Unnecessary Sympathy Is Itself a Form of Prejudice
To repeat, I have absolutely no intention of telling people who have settled in Japan for generations, built their lives here, and become accustomed to Japanese culture and society to return home or hold back.
However, harboring unnecessary feelings of guilt or meaningless sympathy toward them is misguided and only serves to deepen misunderstandings and distortions toward Japan held by South Korea and North Korea.
Twenty years ago, in 1997, I interviewed the late playwright Kohei Tsuka, a second-generation Zainichi Korean and Naoki Prize-winning author. At the end of the interview, he laughed and said bluntly:
“My old man used to say he was forcibly brought over, but I think he just came over because he couldn’t make a living.”
Based firmly on facts, without becoming emotional, I wish to build a relationship of coexistence in which we can speak honestly to one another as equals.
(Editorial Writer and Political Desk Editor)