Anti-zainichi Korean Speech in Japan in Cyper Space and Beyond

In this essay, using the Dangerous Speech Framework, I examine speech by the Japan Fist Party (JFP) and its leader Makoto Sakurai, who is a former leader of Zaitokukai (在日特権を許さない 市⺠の会, meaning Association of Citizens against the Special Privileges of the Zainichi). In particular, this essay will analyze three messages in the JPF’s political manifesto, which are directed at ethnic Koreans who are permanently resident in Japan, commonly referred to as Zainichi Koreans. In order to understand the social and historical context of the Zainichi Koreans, this essay will first explain historical the background and discrimination against Zainichi Koreans in Japan. After that, I will introduce the above-mentioned three messages by the JPF and argue that although these messages are at a glance moderate compared to the flagrant hate speech of Zaitokukaiin the past, they still serve as a dog whistle and can be considered dangerous speech.

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