When was Racial Discrimination a Problem?

Categorical and Moral Order of the “Konketsuji Problem”　in Post-war Japan

Abstract

In the early 1950s, the “konketsuji problem” was widely discussed as an unprecedented social problem after many children were born to Japanese women and foreign soldiers stationed in Japan. While previous studies have examined the “konketsuji problem” as a salient case of Japanese racism, it remains unclear how it was possible to understand racial discrimination against “konketsuji” as a problem in the historical context of post-war Japan. This study addresses this question by analyzing the historical use and context of the “konketsuji” concept.

The findings show that during and immediately after the occupation, the racial category “konketsuji” was strongly associated with the life-stage category “child” and that conceptual association invoked the institutional areas of child welfare and school education as the context of the “konketsuji problem.” At the same time, as the knowledge of their population, racial differences, and mothers’ occupations was invoked, a discussion on the integration and segregation of “konketsuji” in education developed. However, when this knowledge was reorganized through the activities of local organizations advocating the protection of children`s rights, the principle of “non-discrimination and equality” was adopted in various fields. Based on this principle, not only the provision of educational opportunities, but also the elimination of racial discrimination and prejudice were identified and pursued as educational and welfare goals. While the category “child” provided scarce resources to problematize racial discrimination against “konketsuji, ” it confined the anti-discrimination norm to the institutional framework of child welfare and school education.