16. Pro-NK Koreans in Japan

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. Psalm 137:1

Korea’s proximity to Japan has resulted in an unavoidable and turbulent relationship. By the end of World War II there were over 2 million Koreans living in Japan, many of whom were forced to go there when Japan ruled Korea as a colony. Although most returned home immediately after the war, many chose to stay longer, watching as their country was divided by a bloody civil war. As Korea was split, so the Korean community in Japan was divided into two distinct groups. These two groups now have little relationship with each other.

Today nearly 700,000 ethnic Koreans are living in Japan, referring to themselves as “Zainichi” (residents of Japan). Most of them are second or third-generation Korean, who were born in Japan. The majority of these people identify themselves as South Koreans, but they have largely adapted to Japanese society and most do not even speak Korean. They remain connected to South Korea through a political organization called Mindan.

Roughly one-third of the Zainichi community, however, identify themselves as North Koreans. These people hold North Korean passports, can usually speak Korean, and resist assimilation into Japanese society more strongly. As a result they suffer more discrimination but find support through a North Korean-controlled political organization called Chongryun.

Ironically, the distinction between North and South Koreans in Japan is political rather than geographic. Most “North” Koreans in Japan actually trace their families back to the South — yet have been raised in Japan. However, due to over half a century of division, they have grown apart. They also remain unreached. Very few Christians in Japan’s Korean churches are pro-North Korea Koreans. (32)

• Praise God for the more than 200 Korean churches throughout Japan.

• Pray that God would inspire the tiny Japanese church to become a better witness to all peoples within their country and overcome ethnic divisions through repentance, humility, kindness and the cross.

• Pray that Korean churches in Japan would also find a way to break through the many years of political division and witness to pro-North Korea Koreans.