Baseball Legend’s Nationality Change Ignites Debate
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Isao Harimoto, known in Korea as Jang Hoon, a celebrated figure in Japanese professional baseball, recently revealed a significant personal decision: he became a Japanese citizen several years ago.This declaration, made during a serialized interview with the Sankei shimbun, has ignited a conversation about his korean heritage and the intricate relationship between Japan and Korea.
Harimoto,born in Hiroshima in 1940 to a second-generation korean-Japanese family,held a remarkable career spanning from 1959 to 1981. His record-breaking 3,085 hits cemented his place in Japanese baseball history. Despite facing discrimination due to his Korean ethnicity, he maintained his Korean nationality for many years. His recent revelation of his naturalization came as a surprise to many.
In the interview,Harimoto addressed the complexities of his identity. He stated, “At one time, a certain (korean) government showed an attitude of ignoring Koreans in Japan.” He further explained his decision, saying, “I’m telling you this for the first time, but I changed my nationality a few years ago. I am now a Japanese citizen.”
Harimoto also shared his viewpoint on the ancient context of Korean-Japanese relations. He highlighted the hardships faced by the first generation of Koreans in Japan, stating, “They all worked desperately to fulfill their military service or as they could not eat.” He acknowledged the discrimination experienced by Koreans during the Japanese colonial period and the aftermath of the Great Kanto Earthquake, noting, “There was discrimination (during the Japanese colonial period), and during the Great Kanto Earthquake, rumors were rampant that ‘we set fire to it’ or ‘we put poison in it,’ and many Koreans were sacrificed. We must not forget that.”
Tho, he also emphasized a need for mutual understanding, stating, “I think we need to understand each other more,” acknowledging Japan’s infrastructure progress in Korea during its colonial rule and crediting cooperation for Korea’s subsequent economic growth.
Harimoto’s decision to become a Japanese citizen, while surprising, is a personal choice reflecting his complex experiences. His comments on the historical relationship between Japan and Korea, and his disappointment with the lack of recognition from the Korean baseball world, add layers to this compelling story. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “A few years ago, an official came to me and said I would be given a commendation for my contribution to the development of the Korean baseball world, but I declined. I served as an assistant for over 20 years and created a professional (baseball) organization, but I was never invited to the Korean Series or all-Star Game.” He concluded with a poignant statement: “This is the bad thing about that country,” and “They have forgotten grace and loyalty.”
Harimoto’s story underscores the enduring impact of historical events and the complexities of national identity, particularly for those navigating dual heritage. His experiences resonate with the ongoing discussions about immigration, assimilation, and the search for belonging in a globalized world.
Baseball Icon’s Nationality Change Sparks Debate on Identity and History
Isao Harimoto, a legendary japanese baseball player of Korean descent, recently revealed that he became a Japanese citizen several years ago. This revelation, made during an interview with the Sankei Shimbun, has sparked discussions about Korean-Japanese identity, historical relations between Japan and South Korea, and the treatment of ethnic Koreans in Japan.
On the Field: A Baseball Legend
Senior Editor: Dr. Mark Tanaka, thank you for joining us today. Can you provide our readers with some background on Isao Harimoto’s career and meaning in Japanese baseball?
Dr. Mark Tanaka: certainly. Isao Harimoto, known in Korea as Jang Hoon, is a true legend in japanese baseball. His career spanned from 1959 to 1981, and during that time, he amassed an astounding 3,085 hits, a record that still stands today. He was a phenomenal talent and a source of inspiration for many aspiring ballplayers.
nationality and Identity: A Personal Decision
Senior Editor: Harimoto’s recent revelation that he became a Japanese citizen has surprised many, especially given his Korean heritage. Could you shed some light on the complexities surrounding this decision?
Dr. Mark Tanaka: Harimoto’s story is truly complex and reflects the challenges faced by many Korean-Japanese individuals. He was born in Hiroshima in 1940 to a second-generation Korean-Japanese family. While he achieved phenomenal success in Japan, he also experienced discrimination due to his ethnicity. His decision to become a Japanese citizen, though surprising to some, is a highly personal one likely influenced by a combination of factors, including his own experiences and perceptions of his place in Japanese society.
Historical Ties: A Look at the Past
Senior Editor: Harimoto mentioned facing discrimination as a Korean in Japan and alluded to a lack of recognition from the Korean baseball world. Could you elaborate on the historical context that might contribute to these feelings?
Dr. Mark Tanaka: Japan’s colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945 undoubtedly left a profound impact on relations between the two nations. During that time, Koreans in japan faced prejudice and hardship, often relegated to a lower social standing. While harimoto was born after the end of colonial rule, the legacy of that history continues to shape perceptions on both sides. His disappointment at not being recognized by the Korean baseball community suggests that, in his view, these historical wounds have not fully healed.
A Call for Understanding
Senior Editor: What message do you think Harimoto’s story conveys regarding the relationship between Japan and south Korea today?
Dr. Mark Tanaka: Harimoto’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for dialog, understanding, and reconciliation between Japan and South Korea.
His experiences highlight the lasting impact of history and the importance of acknowledging past injustices. While acknowledging the complexities,he also speaks of the need for mutual understanding and recognition for the contributions each nation has made.
His story underscores the importance of fostering a future where individuals of dual heritage feel a sense of belonging and are recognized for their contributions to both societies.
senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for your insights into this vital and complex issue.
