The Shadow of Japanese Postwar Nationalism and Zainichi Disenfranchisement

This paper analyses the various modes in which Zainichi, ethnic Koreans who have lived in Japan for generations, are disenfranchised in Japanese society. The use of distorted cultural narratives about a “pure Japanese society”, historical revisionism, and erasure of the Zainichi population all contribute to their current situation. Through denial of birthright citizenship and the difficulties in obtaining naturalization, the Zainichi are denied human rights and protections that all ethnic Japanese people are entitled to. Furthermore, populist politicians promote the erasure of Zainichi from popular consciousness because of their aims to amend the post-war constitution. In spite of growing effort to move towards multiculturalism, Zainichi remain outliers to these efforts because of their focus on newcomers to Japan rather than acceptance of diversity that already exists.