Zaitokukai
| Zaitokukai | |
|---|---|
| 在日特権を許さない市民の会 | |
A demonstration by Zaitokukai against Koreans in Japan took place in Tokyo in 2013. A woman carries a placard written "Kill all Koreans". | |
| Leader | Yasuhiro Yagi |
| Dates of operation | 2007–present |
| Active regions | Japan |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Far-right |
| Major actions | |
| Status | Designated as a potential threat to law and order by the Japanese government due to their "extreme nationalist and xenophobic" ideology. |
| Part of a series on |
| Koreans in Japan |
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| This article is part of a series on |
| Conservatism in Japan |
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Zaitokukai, full name Zainichi Tokken o Yurusanai Shimin no Kai (在日特権を許さない市民の会; lit. 'Association of Citizens against the Special Privileges of the Zainichi'), is an ultra-nationalist and far-right extremist political organization in Japan, which calls for an end to state welfare and alleged privileges afforded to Zainichi Koreans. It has been described by the National Police Agency as a potential threat to public order due to its "extreme nationalist and xenophobic" ideology.
Its membership is between 9,000 to over 15,000. Vice News called them "J-racism's hottest new upstarts" in 2014. The group is considered by critics to be an anti-Korean extremist hate group, and have been compared to neo-Nazis.
It was founded and led by a man who goes by the assumed name of Makoto Sakurai. On November 16, 2014, Yasuhiro Yagi was selected as chairman for the fifth term as the result of a vote of confidence by the group's members.
Sharon Yoon and Yuki Asahina argue that Zaitokukai quickly succeeded in framing Korean minorities as undeserving recipients of Japanese welfare benefits. Even as Zaitokukai declined, far-right anti-Korean discourse powerfully influences public fears.