The comment that Sana (23), a Japanese member of the Korean girl group, TWICE, posted regarding Japan's era change has brought controversy.
On the 30th last month, Sana posted on TWICE's official Instagram account, "As someone born in the Heisei era, I feel somewhat sad that Heisei is ending but thanks for your hard work Heisei!!
As we head towards, Reiwa, a new beginning, let's have a clean last day of Heisei!"
The said post was written in Japanese and did not directly reference the Emperor's abdication. It also did not contain any Korean translation. Afterwards, heated arguments, for and against, spread across social media. As the era name itself, which corresponds with the reign of the Emperor of Japan, has a strong connection with Japanese patriotism and nationalism, a portion of Instagram users pointed out that it wasn't prudent of her to make that sort of reference on TWICE's official account.
On the other hand, there was also the opinion that she was only voicing her thoughts as a Japanese person, and stretching the meaning of her words was making a big jump in logic. An Instagram user commented, "Just like how we felt when it changed from the 20th Century to the 21st Century, she was only expressing her feelings towards the era changing from Heisei to Reiwa."
There are nine members in TWICE, three of which are Japanese. They are the first Korean girls' group to hold a dome tour in Japan and are popular even in Japan.
The Heisei era came to an end after 30 years and 3 months with the abdication of Emperor Akihito on the 30th last month. The new era, Reiwa, began on May 1st, with the enthronement of the new Emperor, Emperor Akihito's first son, Crown Prince Naruhito.
1. [+13708 / -552]
She poked her nose into trouble herself... You reap what you sow.
- [+284 / -17]
After all, that lot think an aeroplane's engine looks like a Japanese military flag (lol)
- [+214 / -17]
Korean female idols are like mass produced humans. 1. Lengthen hair 2. Redden lips 3. Whiten skin. Yes, it's complete.
- [+187 / -5]
Since you're making money there, conform to their customs
The reverse also applies.
If you're coming to earn money in Japan, you should respect the country's culture and customs.
It's something you should understand before going there.
- [+150 / -10]
This is what happens when you get involved with a crazy nation.
Why don't they form a group with just the three of them?
- [+186 / -11]
Easy-going K-POP fans should know that "government and civilians are separate" doesn't apply to Koreans!
After all, that lot think an aeroplane's engine looks like a Japanese military flag (lol)
- [+214 / -17]
Korean female idols are like mass produced humans. 1. Lengthen hair 2. Redden lips 3. Whiten skin. Yes, it's complete.
- [+187 / -5]
Since you're making money there, conform to their customs
The reverse also applies.
If you're coming to earn money in Japan, you should respect the country's culture and customs.
It's something you should understand before going there.
- [+150 / -10]
This is what happens when you get involved with a crazy nation.
Why don't they form a group with just the three of them?
- [+186 / -11]
Easy-going K-POP fans should know that "government and civilians are separate" doesn't apply to Koreans!
2. [+10624 / -357]
Both sides might be happier if the group split. It's not good to force yourselves to get along.
3. [+7545 / -403]
I really think she just shared her thoughts. But because she's a member of TWICE, it will, as expected, attract attention, and there will definitely be people who agree and people who don't.
4. [+4621 / -57]
At any rate, the people over there are very anti-Japanese.
It's probably impossible for us to get along.
5. [+4525 / -56]
Who cares. I don't get the point of making a fuss over every little thing.
The Koreans are apparently saying, "Are you saying that while knowing the meaning [of your words]? Go and study [history]."
They're mentioning history but it's the youngsters who are kicking up fuss. I thought again, as expected, unlike Japanese education, the anti-Japanese sentiment has been ingrained in Koreans' minds since childhood.
I don't believe that it's possible for Japan and Korea to ever reach a mutual understanding in the future.
I'm not a fan, but I feel sorry for this person.
6. [+3707 / -28]
Outrageous. So people aren't even allowed to voice their own opinion...? Scary cold country.
*寒国 (kankoku/cold country) has the same pronunciation as 韓国 (kankoku/South Korea)
7. [+3455 / -64]
She'd better withdraw from the group while she's still popular, transfer to a Japanese agency and go solo.
At this rate, she's going to continue being bashed by both countries.
8. [+3099 / -9]
Korea often says that political interaction and civilian interaction is separate but the reality is what you see here.
9. [+3099 / -64]
She's entered the wrong path so she should quickly retire.
10. [+2019 / -28]
As long as she's working with Koreans, she should learn that there are things that she must take in consideration.
This is probably a learning experience for her but I have the feeling that if she gets too deeply involved, there will only be disaster.
11. [+1701 / -20]
Disgusting country~ Disgusting race~
12. [+1546 / -9]
Nitpicking a mere comment... Korea is more or less a democratic nation but they don't have freedom of speech?
I think it's best to ignore them and leave them be.
This is nothing new but Korea sure is a troublesome country.
13. [+1447 / -10]
There are people who say "People have all kinds of views about things so it can't be helped that there are divided opinions," but isn't it strange that it's over something as small as this?
14. [+1354 / -10]
In the past, wasn't the Taiwanese member forced to apologise just because she held the Taiwanese flag?
Her agency isn't going to protect her [Sana] so I wonder if she'll be forced to apologise too.
15. [+1355 / -14]
I think it's incredible that she can work in a place like that.
16. [+1047 / -7]
I thought that something like this would become an issue one day. A multicultural group is impossible after all.
17. [+1262 / -107]
I think that it'll be good if this matter blows up even bigger.
18. [+931 / -16]
If you get involved with Gorea, you lose everything in the end.
*Gori = gorilla
19. [+776 / -43]
She's popular right now so this will gradually die down. After a little time passes, she should withdraw from the group and come back to Japan, don't you think? Her parents will probably be relieved as well. I think that if it's Sana, she'll be able to flourish in Japan too!
20. [+665 / -11]
There seem to be people who want to criticise Japan in any way. I hope that this doesn't affect her future activities.
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