Japanese Actor Sousuke Takaoka’s “xenophobic” attitude towards Hallyu (?) & a word about nationalism

(image source: kiseki.blog.onet.pl)

A few days ago, there was a very controversial matter reported by Allkpop that involved Japanese actor Sousuke Takaoka and his thoughts about the Hallyu Wave taking over Japan. On his Twitter he expressed the following (translated by Allkpop): 

“I used to be indebted to Fuji TV in the past, but now I’m suspicious that they may actually be a Korean network”

“I’m questioning about what country I’m in as well”.

“It offends me”

“If anything related to Korea is on broadcast, I just turn the TV off”.

“It troubles me because I feel like I am being brainwashed”

 “Since we’re in Japan, I would like to see Japanese programs. I get scared every time I hear the word, ‘Hallyu’”.

The article’s comment thread is completely saturated with enraged netizens, who accused Takaoka of being “xenophobic” against South Korea. Among them are individuals who on the other hand expressed their understanding of his thoughts and agreed with his points. In addition some insist that he isn’t being “xenophobic” and defend his ‘right to an opinion’.

I have to admit many commenters brought up very good points; however most of them failed to recognize the core issue here. Although freedom of speech; how, why, or whether it’s right that Hallyu is dominating Japan; and comparisons between K-dramas and J-dramas are somewhat related, such points are merely peripheral to the central question of whether or not Takaoka’s comments were bigoted against the Korean nationality and population. What we have to examine right now is the manner in which he expressed his thoughts, and that alone is what he needs to be called out for. It should not be mistaken as an attack to his right to speak his mind (because by all means, he can say whatever he wants. There are, however, the repercussions), nor is it a stance against (or for) the bigger-picture issue his words refer to. 

Xenophobic or not? Bashing Korean entertainment and bashing Korea as a country or culture are obviously two very different things. But to me, I can’t help but feel his hostile sentiment towards the latter, and he did indeed come off as xenophobic (which is a shame too, because I loved him in Crows Zero ;_;). Yes, he is clearly referring to his dislike of Korean entertainment, but there seems to be a xenophobic undertone to his words.

The standard definition of xenophobia is “fear or hatred” of “anything foreign”. Takaoka expressed that he is “scared”; feels like he is being “brainwashed”; and is “offended” by the presence of Korean media in his country. I don’t know about you, but I definitely think he could’ve thought of a better way of saying, “I don’t like Korean entertainment” and made it less awkward for the rest of us. Moreover, he stated that “anything related to Korea [that’s on broadcast]” compels him to switch off the television. Does that mean a mention of Korea on the evening news? A coverage of Korean culture by a Japanese show? Such an attitude implies more than just a simple distaste for Korean entertainment alone. 

Is it justified? Of course it isn’t — don’t think I preach any form of xenophobia. But considering the context of Japanese nationalism and its rocky relations with South Korea, there are reasons behind why Takaoka would feel ‘overly’ threatened by the Hallyu influence in Japan that would definitely be deemed justified. I’m assuming we all know the gist of the beef both countries have with each other (16th century invasions, WWII, Sea of Japan, Tsushima/Daemado island), so there’s no need for an extensive historical overview. Remember, we’re not looking at this issue through the same lens as Takaoka, and to begin to criticize nationalism and its effects are quite dangerous waters to thread, especially if we’re neither Korean nor Japanese nationals. Then again, is this a case of intense nationalism, or intense nationalism plus xenophobia? Is being too nationalist xenophobic?

Another point to think about is that unlike a more culturally diverse nation like the United States, Japan is still vastly homogeneous, and has been as a result of isolating itself from foreign influence in the past. It is possible that some of those isolationist attitudes have persisted until today, causing some (including Takaoka) to feel quite uneasy at the thought of a foreign culture’s influence on the country, especially if it’s Korean. 

I like to think the relevance of nationalism in today’s world is dwindling (though the reality may prove the opposite). Then again, what is nationalism? Where is the line drawn between welcoming outside cultural influence and preserving your own? Which aspects do you welcome and which do you reject? Which aspects would be wrong (for example, xenophobic) to reject? 

But unfortunately for my throbbing head nationalism is just one aspect among many when it comes to this issue. There are many other approaches, one of which is pinpointed in this excellent comment I came across: the ‘overrated-ness’ of Hallyu and as a result, the decrease of J-media’s popularity:

However, the commenter does seem to be going out on a limb with his/her analysis(though it is a good one), because like he/she said, Takaoka’s approach to the issue wasn’t exactly the best one. It sparked so many questions and demands for clarification. Ultimately, who knows the guy’s real thoughts behind his words?

And then there’s the argument about the Hallyu Wave itself being “aggressive marketing” and almost possessing a nationalistic agenda, a discussion which would require an entirely new post (not to mention another dozen cups of coffee).

Anyways, all open-ended questions, no definite answers. What does everyone else think?