Anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea brews as ‘trade war’ escalates

Animosity between both countries has reached a flashpoint over territorial, historical and trade issues

Some Japanese in South Korea are wary of discrimination but Zainichi or ethnic Koreans in Japan say xenophobia is an everyday reality

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South Koreans rally in Suwon, south of Seoul, demanding Japan abandon its export restrictions. Photo: EPA

Published: 1:31pm, 24 Jul 2019Updated: 11:20pm, 24 Jul 2019

Aya Yanagishima has recently avoided mentioning her Japanese heritage while living in Seoul, fearing discrimination stemming from anger at Japan’s decision earlier this month to restrict hi-tech materials crucial to South Korea’s export-dependent economy. But Yanagishima has not been spared by the children she teaches, even though they are between six and 12 years old.

“When I say the word ‘Japan’ my students blurt out things like ‘I hate Japan’ or ‘your parents are Japanese and need to apologise, your ancestors are trash’,” the 31-year-old says.

Most recently, a student asked her to tell Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to apologise for offending South Koreans, she adds.

In recent weeks, cultural baggage and historical animosities have reached a flashpoint as the two countries, already tussling over territorial disputes and other matters, are now embroiled in an intensifying trade war.

Japanese-American Aya Yanagishima, an English teacher in Seoul. Photo: Handout

For Koreans, the stand-off has fuelled anti-Japanese sentiment and calls for boycotts of Japanese products ranging from fast fashion brands to ramen chains and even stationery.

Japan is a top travel destination for Koreans, with about 7.5 million visiting last year. The trade dispute has taken a toll, though, as outbound bookings to Japan have fallen by 50 per cent, according to Korean travel agency Hana Tour.