Unveiling a hidden narrative, The History Museum of J-Koreans stands here. This museum in Tokyo chronicles the compelling story of Koreans in Japan. It is often called Zainichi Koreans. The History Museum of J-Koreans was established on November 24, 2005. It resides in Minato-ku.
Step inside The History Museum of J-Koreans. Discover a treasure trove of artifacts that illuminate Zainichi history. These items were provided by Zainichi Koreans across Japan. The History Museum of J-Koreans holds over 70000 items.
Director Sungsi Lee has spearheaded The History Museum of J-Koreans since 2017. He has been on the Board of Trustees since its opening in 2005. He aims to deepen historical awareness.
The museum’s mission is clear. It sustains Zainichi Korean identity. It provides knowledge. It fosters cultural pride. This is vital. Generational shifts have transformed the community. The History Museum of J-Koreans examines a century of Zainichi Korean history. It strives to build a truly multicultural society in Japan.
Trace the journey of Koreans to Japan. Their history dates back to 1897. That’s when the first laborers arrived. By 1945 over two million Koreans were in Japan. They faced annexation and colonization. Even after liberation 600000 remained. The painful history of Zainichi Koreans mirrors Japan’s modern history.
Explore exhibits at The History Museum of J-Koreans. One covers life before Korea’s liberation. Discover the February 8 Declaration of Independence. Korean exchange students in Japan declared their support. Learn about forced labor. Confront the Kanto Massacre. Koreans were lynched due to false rumors. Understand the systemic discrimination they faced.
Another exhibit reveals post-liberation experiences. It highlights the 1947 Alien Registration Ordinance. The government stripped ethnic Koreans of Japanese citizenship. This denied them benefits and rights. You can explore the daily lives and careers of Zainichi Koreans.
The History Museum of J-Koreans also hosts special and temporary exhibits. One exhibit even traveled to the Seoul Museum of History. The museum maintains an archive. It contains books media and newspaper articles. Artefacts include documents of those accused as B/C class war criminals. Some objects are mundane like clubs for traditional Korean laundry.
The Korean community began preserving its history in the 1980s. The first generation was passing away. Park Gyeong-sik launched a campaign in 1995. He wanted to create a museum. Mindan pledged financial support in 2002. This breakthrough led to the museum’s opening.
The name of The History Museum of J-Koreans was debated. The term Han is used in South Korea. Joseon is used in North Korea. Mindan is South Korea-aligned. The museum ultimately chose Han.
The History Museum of J-Koreans began digitizing its collection in 2021. It aimed to create a digital archive. The History Museum of J-Koreans hopes to educate and inspire.