Inventing aliens

The paper discusses rising popular racism in Japan against ethnic minorities, particularly Koreans.
Critiques the framing of this issue as ‘xenophobia’ instead of racism.
Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Japan's colonial history and immigration control system that marginalizes ethnic minorities.

Since 2009, ultra-right groups, such as Zaitokukai, have propagated racism online and through public demonstrations.
In 2013, the Zaitokukai began large-scale protests in major Japanese cities.
Activists and politicians are pushing for legislation against hate speech, but governmental responses underestimate the severity and historical roots of racism.
The usage of 'xenophobia' diminishes the complexity of racism that affects long-standing minorities like the Zainichi (Koreans living in Japan).

A significant incident in July 2015 involved the Immigration Control Bureau facing backlash from false reports regarding the deportation of Koreans.
Reports by the UN Committee highlighted the inadequacy of Japan's legal measures against hate speech and the prevalence of racist discourse targeting Koreans and Chinese.
Concerns included harassment of ethnic minorities and notices excluding non-Japanese from businesses.

Zaitokukai, formed in 2007, claims to act against the privileges of Koreans in Japan.
Their methods involve online activism and public rallies, often using derogatory language against Koreans.
Notable protests included harassment of Korean schools and derogatory rallies against alleged illegal immigrants.

The categorization of Koreans as ‘foreigners’ in Japan's context perpetuates misunderstanding and racism.
Social scientists often frame racial discourse and hate crimes as xenophobia, ignoring deeper racist structures.
The focus on ‘foreigners’ excludes long-term residents who are considered ethnic minorities despite their Japanese nationality.

The emergence of Koreans in Japan can be tied to Japan’s colonial expansion and policies after major wars.
Korean migration increased significantly post-1910 with formal annexation of Korea, linking their presence to Japan's imperial past.
The historical movement of Koreans during labor shortages endorsed by the Japanese state during wartime affects present-day perceptions and treatments.
The contemporary immigration control policy traces its roots to how Koreans were treated during and after the occupation, establishing a pattern of systemic discrimination.

Japan's immigration control regime, initiated post WWII, was designed to exclude and categorize individuals based on ethnicity.
The Imperial Ordinance of Alien Registration of 1947 classified Koreans as aliens, despite their historical status as subjects of the empire.
This legal framework allowed the state to implement strict immigration measures and deny residential rights to Koreans, marking a deep-rooted connection between policy and racism.

The Zaitokukai’s influence is supported by various political entities, signaling an institutional endorsement of racism.
Counteractions have emerged from both Japanese and non-Japanese activists who protest against Zaitokukai's actions.
Social movements and legal initiatives have been established to challenge the status quo, seeking to change perceptions and treatment of ethnic minorities in Japan.

Understanding the racism embedded within Japan's immigration controls is vital in addressing current issues of discrimination.
Mislabeling this issue as ‘xenophobia’ fails to address the historical and systemic roots of racism affecting long-term ethnic minorities.
Recognition and critical assessment of Japan's colonial legacy and its ongoing impact on immigration policies are crucial for fostering a more inclusive society.