ABSTRACT
The general level of violence in Japan is exceptionally low compared to other industrialized countries for a variety of reasons. These include the stability of the family system and social discipline generally, the country’s economic prosperity, and effective firearms control. The waves of violence against Koreans that have occurred from time to time have then been all the more conspicuous. The most disturbing examples are attacks on students attending ethnic schools, particularly girls who are easily identified by their Korean costume. The first wave of violent attacks was a reaction against the long and widespread campaign against the Normalization Treaty of 1965 waged by a combination of Leftists, pacifists, and Koreans affiliated with both the Soren and Mindan. The Japanese authorities seem subsequently to have controlled violence relating to the Treaty. The next wave was, however, triggered soon afterwards by campaigns over the Foreigners’ School Bills and the accreditation of the Korean University.
