Statement from the Japanese Ministry of Education

In Japan, we celebrate and respect fundamental freedoms around both speech and education. In light of recent protests against Chongryon Schools in Japan, we seek to find a balance between respecting the rights of the protesters to voice their views, while also respecting the rights of the Chongryon Schools to operate and educate Korean youths in their culture. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who were lost onboard the Kyushu Ferry last week, and we also extend our sympathy to those whose sense of security was disrupted by the missile that flew over Hokkaido. Our partners in the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office are working hard to honor those who were lost and to deter future attacks of aggression by the DPRK. 

However, we must remember that these schools are educational and cultural institutions. The children are not responsible for the violence and fear that our communities have recently experienced. The protesters have every right to protest peacefully, but the schools will remain open. 

It has been eight years since the Hate Speech Elimination Law came into effect, prohibiting exclusive speech and behavior that promotes or induces discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, ethnicity, or other grounds. We hope that protesters will remain mindful of this law and respect that the public is becoming increasingly concerned about hate speech, and society is becoming more and more aware that hate speech is unacceptable.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will work with local communities to deploy police around the school to ensure the safety of the children and protesters. 

In addition, we plan to work with school administrators to review the curricula and educational goals of the Chongryon schools, and seek to increase the educational content related to Japanese culture, aiming to nurture mutual understanding and help Japan and Korea build friendly relations in the future.