Editorial: Xenophobic column raises question over Japan publisher's human rights awareness
Takayama named figures with foreign roots, including an author, researcher and actor, attacking them by saying, "It's your choice if you dislike Japan or the Japanese, but at least don't use Japanese names." The column's title "Soshi-kaimei 2.0" references a policy that forced people in the colonial Korean Peninsula to adopt Japanese-style names.
Such rhetoric denies diversity and could lead to the exclusion of foreigners. Names are part of an individual's identity, and demanding their change is unacceptable.
"What does it mean for a publisher, supposed to be a part of global literature, to propagate racism?" said writer Ushio Fukazawa, whose name was mentioned by Takayama in the column, recently at a press conference demanding an apology from Shinchosha. Fukazawa, who has roots in the Korean Peninsula, has depicted the struggles faced by Korean residents of Japan.
The Japan P.E.N. Club has issued an urgent statement, saying, "We express our concern over the prevalence of exclusionist discourse." Other writers have also voiced protest.
Following the press conference, Shinchosha posted an apology on its website to Fukazawa, acknowledging that the column "emotionally hurt the writer and caused significant psychological pain." It also promised to "inform (the columnist) about changes in public opinion and societal demands."
However, in his latest column, Takayama did not address this issue at all.
In 2018, Shinchosha published a contribution that disregarded human rights. Mio Sugita, then a Liberal Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives, claimed in the monthly magazine "Shincho 45" that sexual minority couples are "unproductive." This became a social issue, leading to the magazine's suspension.
Publishers have a fundamental responsibility to contribute to a better society. Yet, Shinchosha has repeatedly allowed disregard for human rights. An in-depth examination of the underlying causes is necessary.
Society is built by people from various origins and cultural backgrounds. If arguments that reject differing opinions based on one's background are accepted, it could threaten individuals' rights and lead to societal stagnation.
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