Key Facts
• July 18: Sanseitō leader Sohei Kamiya made controversial remarks during a speech.
• Used the term “Chon,” a discriminatory slur against Koreans, in Yokkaichi City.
• Immediately apologized, stating, “Sorry, that was wrong. Please cut that.”
• Same day: Korea NGO Center issued a protest letter demanding an apology.
• The NGO criticized Sanseitō’s campaign for inciting xenophobic sentiments.
• Kamiya acknowledged the term’s discriminatory nature and apologized publicly.
• The NGO emphasized the significant impact of a politician’s words.
• They urged Sanseitō to clarify its stance and apologize before the July 20 election.
• The incident highlights ongoing concerns about discrimination in Japanese politics.
Summary
Sanseitō leader Sohei Kamiya sparked controversy on July 18 during a campaign speech in Yokkaichi City by using a discriminatory term against Koreans. Although he quickly apologized and corrected his statement, the Korea NGO Center condemned the remarks, highlighting their discriminatory nature and the broader implications of such language from a political leader. The NGO criticized Sanseitō’s campaign for allegedly fostering xenophobic sentiments and demanded a public apology and clarification of the party’s stance before the July 20 election. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing discrimination in Japan’s political discourse.
