The Strongest 3rd Generation Korean in Japan, Recipient of the Tokyo Bar Association Human Rights Award

Recognized for Speaking Out Against Hate Speech and Discrimination
Achieved Improvements in Systems Addressing Discriminatory Behavior in Japan

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Choi Kang-ija (47), a third-generation Korean resident in Japan who has led anti-discrimination activities against 'hate speech' (public discriminatory and hateful expressions against specific groups) in Japan, has been selected as the recipient of the Tokyo Bar Association Human Rights Award.

On the 30th of last month, the Tokyo Bar Association announced Choi as the recipient of the Tokyo Bar Association Human Rights Award, which honors individuals who have worked to protect human rights. The Tokyo Bar Association introduced the reason for selecting Choi, stating, "He has long faced the discrimination in Japanese society with great distress and has taken the lead in various activities under his own name to protect first-generation Korean residents in Japan and their children from 'hate speech'." Choi’s dedicated efforts, including raising his voice against discrimination despite continuous discriminatory attacks on the internet, were also cited as reasons for the award.

The Tokyo Bar Association announced on the 30th that it has selected Choi Kang-ija (47), a third-generation Korean resident in Japan who has led anti-discrimination activities including against hate speech, as a recipient of the Tokyo Bar Association Human Rights Award, which honors individuals who have worked to protect human rights. The photo shows Choi Kang-ija making a protest speech at an anti-Korean demonstration in June 2016. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, the Tokyo Bar Association highly evaluated his testimony as a witness before the House of Councillors’ Judicial Affairs Committee in March 2016 to eradicate anti-Korean demonstrations. They viewed his testimony as instrumental in the enactment of the law aimed at curbing anti-Korean demonstrations, known as the "Act on Promotion of Measures to Eliminate Unfair Discriminatory Speech and Behavior against People Originating from Outside Japan." Furthermore, the changes such as Kawasaki City creating guidelines to restrict the use of public facilities for anti-Korean demonstrations and enacting ordinances to punish such demonstrations were also introduced as starting from Choi’s efforts.

Regarding his selection for the Tokyo Bar Association Human Rights Award, Choi told domestic media, "This is not an award for me personally but recognition of the activities of all citizens who act hoping for a society without discrimination and the lawyers who support them." He added, "I intend to receive this award with pride." About the award decision, he said, "The Bar Association, a group of legal professionals, has declared that it will approach victims and walk together to realize a society without discrimination." He further stated, "I want to take this award as encouragement and move forward together with the enlightened citizens and lawyers in Japan who do not tolerate discrimination to realize a society without discrimination."

In addition to Choi, Masaharu Hamada, who worked at the camera company Olympus and after whistleblowing on his superior’s corruption allegations faced unfair transfer but won a legal battle, and Hokuyo Construction, which actively employs released prisoners to prevent recidivism and help them reintegrate into society, were also selected as award recipients.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.