In demonstrations repeatedly held in Tokyo's Shin-Okubo district, home to many Korean shops and restaurants, participants have shouted threatening words such as "Kill both good and bad Koreans," "Koreans, get out," and "Sink them in Tokyo Bay."
They ostensibly seek to stop what they regard as privileges accorded Korean and Chinese residents in Japan. Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, participants in the demonstrations mistake this freedom for the right to say anything. Their speech goes beyond acceptable limits and clearly constitutes hate speech. Although freedom of expression must be upheld by all means, legal measures should be taken to restrict hate speech that threatens people. The police and local public safety commissions should use all available legal means to prevent demonstrations that clearly threaten ethnic groups.
Similar hate speech is also being posted on the Internet by people usually referred to as "Net uyoku" (rightists). It would not be inaccurate to describe those who aim hate speech at Koreans and other foreign residents in Japan as bigots.