Japan remains calm as South Korea's martial law stirs unrest
Riots in South Korea related to the imposition of martial law are being reported in media outlets worldwide. But how are the Japanese, just a few hundred miles from Korea, reacting to this situation? While in the Land of the Rising Sun, I asked the residents of Kyoto about it.
4:08 PM EST, December 4, 2024
Recent hours have been marked by an unsettled situation in a country long known for its stability—South Korea. The local president, Yoon Suk Yeol, decided to impose martial law to strengthen his position. However, this was met with a decisive response from the National Assembly, which led to the lifting of martial law.
This is how the Japanese are reacting to the situation in South Korea
Although only a short period elapsed between the imposition and the lifting of martial law—counted in hours—South Korea was at the center of media attention worldwide. It is no different in Japan, where I am currently residing. Thus, I decided to ask the residents about their sentiments regarding the situation in a country just a few hundred miles away.
No sign of unrest in Kyoto
The Japanese are approaching events in South Korea with considerable calm. When asked about their sentiments, the most common responses indicate that residents are calm. – We don't feel uneasy here in Japan – one Kyoto resident tells me. – It's safe here – another echoes and adds that the government is keeping a close watch. This aligns with what I read in local media. "Japan Today" reports that Japanese authorities informed the public after the declaration of martial law in South Korea and that they "will make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese people in Korea." Therefore, the Japanese do not feel that the events in Korea will impact their country.
Others express similar sentiments, not voicing concerns about the country's safety. Some point out that "Japan's relations with South Korea have been at a good level for several years."
Japanese feel safe
Among the residents of Kyoto, it is hard to notice any concerns related to the events in Korea. – We feel safe here – say more people who have heard about the lifting of martial law in Korea. My interlocutors also claim that they haven't noticed panic or fear in their surroundings after the outbreak of riots in Seoul.
On Japanese TV stations, reporters are continuously covering events in South Korea. However, there are no alarming messages for the residents here on television. Life in Kyoto continues completely normally—I couldn't detect any commotion among the residents after martial law was imposed or lifted. The Japanese live normally and do not look with concern toward their neighbor across the Sea of Japan.
