Changes in Japanese Culture/Society and Their Effects on Occupied Korea and Koreans Living in Japan (From 1853 to Present)

Nathan G. Hampton
Dr. Masahiro Hara, Faculty Mentor

This presentation discusses the underlying cultural elements that led to Imperial Japan’s occupation of Korea and their treatment when living in Japan. Looking at writings from reformers like Honda Toshiaki and members of the Iwakura Missions, we can better understand the ideologies that led to Pan-Asianism and Japanese Imperialism. Pan-Asianism was twisted from an ideology promoting cultural unity into an excuse for Japanese occupation across East-Asia. This presentation focuses on Korean occupation in particular, by highlighting points of contention still brought up today. Koreans in Japan (Zainichi Koreans) were discriminated against socially and economically. Young girls were tricked into becoming comfort women for soldiers abroad. Many turned to Pachinko parlors or worked for the Yakuza. While tensions have dropped among young people, some Zainichi Koreans are still associated with unclean work and discriminated against. Understanding how current articles and literature address these issues gives a better understanding of each culture. 

Keywords: Japanese Culture, East-Asian History, Pan-Asianism, Zainichi Korean, Occupied Korea, Comfort Women, Empress Myeongseong, Pachinko

Topic(s):Japanese
History
Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA