| dc.description.abstract | Racism and racial discriminations in Japan have been widely studied and, as a result, various explications as to what dynamics and power relations have been suggested. However, while racism is intricately tightly linked with the history of colonialism, racism in Japan does not seem to be often tackled within the framework of Japan’s history of colonialism. This study, by doing so, examines the intricate interplay between racism and colonialism within the context of Japan, focusing particularly on the enduring repercussions of Japan's colonial history on contemporary racial dynamics. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary framework, the study employs theoretical lenses such as the Coloniality of Power (C.o.P.) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) to analyze manifestations of racism and power differentials evident in Japanese society, with a specific emphasis on the experiences of Zainichi Koreans. Specifically, through reflexive thematic analysis on racializing, racist remarks against Zainichi Koreans in the Japanese cyberspace, X in particular, the study unveils manifestations of racism targeting Zainichi Koreans and elucidates underlying power relations rooted in Japan's colonial past. Drawing on CRT frameworks such as "Colour-blind racism" and "Essentialism," the thesis examines themes and patterns of racialization, while the Coloniality of Power framework illuminates historical contexts and systemic inequalities perpetuated by colonial legacies. The findings underscore the significance of addressing Japan’s colonial history in understanding contemporary racial hierarchies and advocating for social justice. The broad implication of this study is the importance to spotlight Japan’s racism itself and the intricate link between that and Japan’s history of colonialism. | |
