The recent release of the film ‘The Fukuda Village Incident’ in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, brings to light a tragic event often overlooked in history. The book, ‘The Fukuda Village Incident: The Untold Tragedy of the Great Kanto Earthquake,’ delves into the real-life incident that inspired the film. It recounts the massacre of Korean merchants by local vigilante groups in the aftermath of the earthquake. Suspected of being Korean, these individuals were brutally murdered, highlighting the widespread discrimination and violence faced by the Korean community in Japan at the time. The book offers a meticulous examination of the events leading up to the massacre, the social and political climate of the era, and the legacy of colonialism in Japan.
It underscores the chilling reality of the widespread anti-Korean sentiment that fueled the attacks. The book also touches upon the lingering impact of the incident on the Korean community in Japan. Despite the decades that have passed, a proper apology for the massacre has yet to be made, and efforts to deny the truth continue to surface. ‘The Fukuda Village Incident’ serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting consequences of historical injustices and the urgent need for reconciliation.
‘Darling is a Netouyo: A Korean Exchange Student’s Story’ offers a contemporary perspective on the ongoing struggles of Korean students in Japan. The book follows the experiences of Woo-chan, a Korean exchange student, and her relationship with Isshi, a Japanese man who exhibits discriminatory behavior influenced by online propaganda. The story delves into the insidious nature of microaggressions, subtle but hurtful remarks and actions that often go unnoticed. The author, drawing from her own experiences living in Japan for 11 years, presents a relatable narrative that sheds light on the pervasive nature of discrimination in everyday life. ‘Darling is a Netouyo’ serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly harmless actions can contribute to a culture of prejudice and exclusion.
‘Pachinko’, a sweeping epic that spans four generations of a Korean family in Japan from 1910 to 1984, provides a deeper exploration of the historical and social context that shaped the Korean community in Japan. Although not explicitly stated, the novel’s timeframe overlaps with the Great Kanto Earthquake, allowing readers to glimpse the hardships faced by Koreans in Japan. The story portrays the discrimination, violence, and struggles experienced by the family as they navigate their lives in a society that often ostracized them. ‘Pachinko’, a multi-generational saga, transcends the boundaries of fiction by meticulously researching the lives of Koreans in Japan, drawing on the experiences of dozens of individuals. It highlights the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of the Korean community in the face of adversity, offering a powerful testament to their enduring legacy.
These three books, each offering a unique perspective on the Japanese-Korean relationship, serve as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of history, the persistence of prejudice, and the enduring power of human resilience. By acknowledging the past and engaging with these narratives, we can foster greater understanding and empathy, paving the way for a more inclusive and just future.
