Japan was criticized by the U.N. Human Rights Committee last month for allowing hate speech to proliferate. According to experts on the committee, in 2013 there were more than 360 cases of racist demonstrations and speeches in Japan. The committee demanded to know what actions the country would take to counter the recent proliferation of hate speech. Their demand needs to be answered.
Most of the hate speech took place at demonstrations and in public speeches, though an increasing amount of hate speech shows up on the Internet. The xenophobic, hate-filled ranting is usually directed toward Koreans, but also toward Chinese and foreigners in general. Often the demonstrations and marches are conducted in Korean neighborhoods.
The government needs to consider how to curb hate speech. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Japan has ratified, states that advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence should be prohibited by law. At present, the police may not intervene to stop hate speech.