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

Reading Time:4 minutes

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.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x