“Even Dreams Must Be in Japanese”: Imperial Japan’s Chilling 1943 Wartime Propaganda for Korean Assimilation

These propaganda cartoons, serialized in 1943 during the height of Imperial Japan’s war mobilization, were aimed at the Korean audience. Through cheerful imagery, they depict militarization, economic exploitation, and cultural erasure as progress and enlightenment. 

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 22, 1943

 

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 29, 1943

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, December 2, 1943

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 22, 1943

Frame 1 (マ・MA): 真面目な生活、和やかな愛国班
Earnest living, harmonious Patriotic Group

Korean “patriotic groups” (愛国班) were grassroots neighborhood cells comprising a few households which facilitated wartime mobilization, resource control, and ideological indoctrination. The cells also imposed surveillance and compliance, fostering an environment of coercion and control. The Japanese flags on every house signal loyalty to the Empire, demanding unity and ideological purity from all families — including colonized Koreans.

Frame 2 (ミ・MI): 南に北に真心の慰問袋
Sincere care packages sent to the north and to the south

Anthropomorphized care packages march with cheerful faces. These care packages were prepared by schoolchildren and "patriotic women" who included things like books, picture scrolls, sweets, photos, newspaper clippings, poetry, dolls, senninbari cloths, etc.

Frame 3 (ム・MU): 無駄をなくした良いお嫁
A good bride who got rid of waste

A humbly dressed Korean woman, newly married, embodies self-sacrifice. Her patched monpe pants and travel pack reinforce the romanticized thrift and simplicity expected from colonized women in service of the war.

Frame 4 (メ・ME): 目よりも大事な孫も志願兵
Even more precious than one's eyes, the grandson becomes a volunteer soldier

The old Korean grandfather's pride as he sends his grandson off to war exposes the enforced loyalty expected from colonial families. 

Frame 5 (モ・MO): 『もしもし』電話も正しい国語
Even when saying “Hello?” over the phone, proper Japanese must be spoken

A Korean woman is shown speaking Japanese on the phone. Language suppression was central to Japan's colonial rule — Korean was suppressed in schools and public life, and cartoons like this normalized linguistic erasure.

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 29, 1943

Frame 1 (ヤ・YA): 破れかぶれ、アメリカの負け戦
Desperate and reckless — America’s losing war

Roosevelt, depicted cartoonishly, watches his planes crash. This blatant propaganda mocks the Allies while reinforcing Imperial Japan's self-perception of invincibility — a view they expected Koreans to adopt.

Frame 2 (イ・I): 石にかじりついても勝ち抜くぞ！（負けるもんかっ！）
We are determined to win even if we have to bite into rocks! (We will not lose!)

A crazed man bites a rock — symbolizing blind perseverance. 

Frame 3 (ユ・YU): 夢の中でも国語でお話（先生、セーンセイ、ムニャムニャ）
Speaking Japanese even in your dreams. (Teacher... teeaaacher... mumble mumble)

A Korean child, dreaming in Japanese, reveals the extent of desired assimilation. The subconscious itself was not allowed to remain Korean.

Frame 4 (エ・E): 枝や切り株は松炭油に
Branches and stumps become pine charcoal oil

Farmers were expected to scavenge wood for fuel production, supporting the war economy. Total war mobilization extended even into rural Korean life.

Frame 5 (ヨ・YO): 夜なべに叺や草鞋つくり
Making straw bags and sandals late into the night

A Korean couple toils under a light bulb, producing straw bags or straw sandals using traditional techniques. The straw bags were known 'gamani' (가마니) in Korean or 'kamasu' in Japanese. They were traditionally made in the winter, and used to transport everything including manure, coal, salt, and grain. First, the straw is weaved into rope, and then the rope is used to weave the fabric that forms the bag.

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, December 2, 1943

Frame 1 (ワ・WA): 忘れるな！十二月八日の感激！（やったぞ！やったー！大本営万歳！十二月八日！）
Never forget the excitement of December 8th! (We did it! Hurrah! Long live Imperial HQ! December 8th!)

December 8, 1941 was the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. The cartoon rewrites history to portray it as a triumphant moment that all subjects — including Koreans — should cherish.

Frame 2 (ヰ・WI): 遺族や出征家族に銃後の真心（誉れの家、援護）
True spirit on the home front for bereaved and deployed families (House of honor, support)

A giant hand labeled "Support" protects a house labeled "House of Honor." Families were coerced into viewing military sacrifice not as tragedy, but as privilege.

Frame 3 (ウ・U): 嬉しいこと、国語で書けたこの手紙
What a happy occasion! I was able to write this letter in Japanese

A smiling and singing Korean woman celebrates being able to write in Japanese. This idealized scene masks the violent suppression of Korean literacy and identity.

Frame 4 (ヱ・WE): 笑顔で売り買い、明るい生活
Buying and selling with a smile — a cheerful life

Two Koreans smile to each other as goods are exchanged. The colonial regime conducted "kindness" campaigns to induce shopkeepers to improve their manners by smiling more often and speaking Japanese.

Frame 5 (ヲ・WO): おじさんは陸軍へ、兄さんは海軍へ
My uncle went to the Army, and my big brother to the Navy

A young girl waves the Japanese and Rising Sun flags. Indoctrination begins in childhood — glorifying militarism and the enlistment of Korean men into Imperial Japan's war machine.

These cartoons reveal how deep Imperial Japan’s psychological manipulation ran — coercing Koreans into erasing their identity, language, and even familial bonds for the sake of a foreign Empire. Every frame promotes joy in submission, glorifying assimilation and military servitude. This propaganda targeted even Korean children’s dreams — literally.

These AIUEO March cartoon strips were part of a larger Japanese-language four-page supplement published in Maeil Sinbo (매일신보 / 每日申報), the last remaining Korean-language newspaper during the Imperial Japanese colonial period. By 1940, all other Korean-language publications had been shut down, and Maeil Sinbo, under strict Japanese control as a tool for Imperial propaganda, became the last operational Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

This supplement was written in basic Japanese, primarily using Hiragana and Katakana, to make it accessible to Koreans with limited Japanese literacy. But it was not just a language learning aid - it also doubled as a war propaganda medium. 

Each AIUEO cartoon strip is organized around a five-character sequence of the Japanese kana syllabary, such as ka-ki-ku-ke-ko (カキクケコ) or sa-shi-su-se-so (サシスセソ), and is divided into five panels. Each panel begins with a different kana character from that set, illustrating an ideal picture of life in Korea that was promoted as a part of Imperial Japanese propaganda.  The panels may have been meant to be cut out and used as iroha karuta playing cards for entertainment.

These particular cartoon strips, published on November 22th, November 29th, and December 2, 1943, were organized around the ma-mi-mu-me-mo (マミムメモ), ya-yu-yo (ヤユヨ), and wa-wo-n (ワヲン) kana groups, respectively. However, the last two kana groups were modified in the cartoon strips to become ya-i-yu-e-yo (ヤイユエヨ) and wa-wi-u-we-wo (ワヰウヱヲ). The last modified Kana group has the now-obsolete kana letters ヰ and ヱ, which used to be respectively pronounced as wi and we in ancient Japanese, but now respectively pronounced as i and e in modern Japanese.

I carefully browsed the October, November, and December 1943 collections of Maeil Sinbo in the Digital Newspaper Archives of the National Library of Korea, and I have now posted all the AIUEO cartoon strips for every kana group except for two: a-i-u-e-o (アイウエオ) and ra-ri-ru-re-ro (ラリルレロ). I'm not sure if they were never published, got lost when the newspaper archive was established, or I simply missed them as I pored through the newspaper pages. 

For your convenience, the links to all the previously posted AIUEO March cartoon strips are listed below:

• KA-group: https://tpjv86b.blogspot.com/2025/04/imperial-japanese-cartoon-from-1943.html
• SA-, TA-, NA-groups: https://tpjv86b.blogspot.com/2025/04/propaganda-cartoons-from-1943-depict.html
• HA-group: https://tpjv86b.blogspot.com/2025/02/imperial-japanese-cartoon-from-1943.html

Propaganda cartoons from 1943 depict cheerful Koreans enjoying Imperial Japanese rule as they are sternly warned about eavesdropping Western spies

These propaganda cartoons, serialized in 1943 during the height of Imperial Japan’s war mobilization, were aimed at the Korean audience. Through cheerful imagery, they depict militarization, economic exploitation, and cultural erasure as progress and enlightenment. 

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 8, 1943

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 11, 1943

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 15, 1943

Translated below:

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 8, 1943

Frame 1 (サ・SA): 酒屋が逃げ出す良い部落
A good village where even the liquor seller flees

A Korean village labeled “No Alcohol Village” (酒無部落). A flustered alcohol merchant with bottles on his back is leaving. In the 1930's and 1940's, Imperial Japanese police routinely cracked down on illicit distilleries producing illegal liquor throughout Korea, which was an ongoing theme in news articles of that time.

Frame 2 (シ・SHI): 支那の子供もアイウエオ
Even Chinese children learn A-I-U-E-O

A Chinese boy sits obediently reading Japanese syllabary. Emphasizes that language assimilation extends beyond Korea—Japan seeks linguistic domination across its empire.

Frame 3 (ス・SU): 少ない配給も仲良く分け合う
Even with little rations, they share harmoniously

Two Korean women and a man peacefully divide meager rations. Promotes wartime sacrifice and obedience, glossing over forced food requisitioning in colonized Korea.

Frame 4 (セ・SE): 先生を驚かす国語の上達
Shocking the teacher with her Japanese fluency

A Korean student impresses a Japanese teacher. Language mastery is framed as a measure of loyalty and progress.

Frame 5 (ソ・SO): 空を轟く愛国飛行機
Patriotic planes roar through the sky

Korean villagers wave hinomaru flags as Japanese warplanes fly overhead. Celebrating the Empire’s military while expecting Koreans to cheer for their colonizer.

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 11, 1943

Frame 1 (タ・TA): 旅の支度は先ずモンペ、巻脚絆
Prepare for your journey with monpe pants and kyahan leg wraps

Korean civilians don Japanese-style wartime clothing. Prepares Koreans physically and symbolically for service.

Frame 2 (チ・CHI): 塵も積もれば山となる楽しい貯金（知らない間に500円）
Savings grow like a mountain from tiny grains of dust (Without noticing—500 yen!)

Koreans smiling at war bond savings. Encourages Koreans to fund their own colonizer’s war machine.

Frame 3 (ツ・TSU): 積もる話も国語で志願兵の家
Talk a lot in Japanese to a family of a future volunteer soldier

A Korean family listens to a recruiter advocating enlistment in the Imperial Army, glorified as an honor.

Frame 4 (テ・TE): 天に轟く万歳、勇ましい大戦果（敵機百機落した！）
Roaring 'BANZAI!' to the sky—what a great victory! (100 enemy planes shot down!)

A Korean shouts “Banzai!” in celebration of a Japanese military victory. Koreans are shown embracing Imperial war ideology.

Frame 5 (ト・TO): 隣のおばあさんも国語の一年生（一緒に講習会にいきましょう！）
Even grandma next door is a first-year Japanese student (Let’s attend classes together!)

Elderly Korean women attending Japanese classes. This frames Japanese language adoption as not just for the young, but a duty for all.

Maeil Sinbo Newspaper, November 15, 1943

Frame 1 (ナ・NA): 何でも話せる国語の優等生（慰問袋を贈りましたか？）
A top student in Japanese can talk about anything (Have you sent a care package yet?)

A Korean woman encourages another to send gifts to soldiers. Language fluency is tied to ideological participation.

Frame 2 (ニ・NI): 日本の兵の母です、私らも
We too are mothers of Japanese soldiers

A Korean mother proudly showcases her son in Imperial Army uniform. Erases Korean identity—her son is now “Japanese.”

Frame 3 (ヌ・NU): 盗人より悪い闇取引（驚いた！）
Black market dealings are worse than theft (Shocking!)

A robber looks on in disbelief at Korean civilians doing black market trade. The cartoon equates economic survival tactics with treason.

Frame 4 (ネ・NE): 根もない噂に喜ぶスパイ（あのね、日本が．．．ほう、そうかね、なるほど）
A spy delights in groundless rumors (So, Japan is… Oh really? I see.)

A sinister-looking Western spy with a black eye mask eavesdrops on Koreans spreading rumors. Portrays gossip as aiding the enemy, urging Koreans to police each other.

Frame 5 (ノ・NO): のぼる日の丸、世界は明ける
The rising sun climbs—the world brightens

The Japanese flag rising from Earth into space. The cartoon ends with a delusional vision of Imperial Japan as the world’s liberator and ruler. A pictorial representation of Hakkō Ichiu ideology.

These cartoons are a disturbing example of cultural erasure masked as cheerful wartime propaganda. They depict Koreans eagerly abandoning their language, identity, and autonomy to become obedient subjects of Imperial Japan.  

These AIUEO March cartoon strips were part of a larger Japanese-language four-page supplement published in Maeil Sinbo (매일신보 / 每日申報), the last remaining Korean-language newspaper during the Imperial Japanese colonial period. By 1940, all other Korean-language publications had been shut down, and Maeil Sinbo, under strict Japanese control as a tool for Imperial propaganda, became the last operational Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

This supplement was written in basic Japanese, primarily using Hiragana and Katakana, to make it accessible to Koreans with limited Japanese literacy. But it was not just a language learning aid - it also doubled as a war propaganda medium. 

Each AIUEO cartoon strip is organized around a five-character sequence of the Japanese kana syllabary, such as ka-ki-ku-ke-ko (カキクケコ) or sa-shi-su-se-so (サシスセソ), and is divided into five panels. Each panel begins with a different kana character from that set, illustrating an ideal picture of life in Korea that was promoted as a part of Imperial Japanese propaganda.  The panels may have been meant to be cut out and used as iroha karuta playing cards for entertainment. These particular cartoon strips, published on the 8th, 11th, and 15th of November 1943, were organized around the sa-shi-su-se-so (サシスセソ), ta-chi-tsu-te-to (タチツテト), and na-ni-nu-ne-no (ナニヌネノ) kana groups, respectively. 

I carefully browsed the October, November, and December 1943 collections of Maeil Sinbo in the Digital Newspaper Archives of the National Library of Korea, and I was able to find the AIUEO cartoon strips for all the kana groups except for two: a-i-u-e-o (アイウエオ) and ra-ri-ru-re-ro (ラリルレロ). I'm not sure if they were never published, got lost when the newspaper archive was established, or I simply missed them as I pored through the newspaper pages, but I hope to eventually post all of the surviving AIEUO cartoon strips online. 

Imperial Japanese cartoon from 1943 depicts Korean boy teaching his grandma how to speak to her dog in Japanese

This propaganda cartoon, published in the Korean-language Maeil Sinbo Newspaper on November 1, 1943, depicts an idealized portrait of model Korean subjects happily learning Japanese under Imperial Japanese rule. A grandson is teaching his grandmother how to tell her dog 'Shiro' to come to her in Japanese. Two Korean women in chima dresses sit together reading a Japanese book. A Korean father is welcomed home by his wife and child in Japanese. A woman makes an air raid announcement over loudspeaker in Japanese. A Korean mother studies Japanese with dreams of her son becoming an Imperial soldier.

The translated text is below:

Frame 1: かわいい孫が国語の先生。
Translation: “My adorable grandson is my Japanese teacher.”
Description: A Korean grandson tells his grandmother, はい、もう一度 ("Ok, one more time") and A Korean grandmother, textbook in hand, practices elementary Japanese phrases including こい、こい、しろ、しろ、こい ("come, come, Shiro, Shiro, come"), learning to issue commands to her dog in Japanese. The grandmother receives instructions from her grandson who says, はい、もう一度 ("Ok, one more time"). The children are absorbing the colonizer’s language faster than the older generation, who now must catch up. Even Korean pets are expected to be spoken to in Japanese.

Frame 2: 聞いたり見たり話したり。
Translation: “Listening, watching, speaking.”
Description: Two Korean women in traditional chima dresses sit together happily reading a Japanese book.

Frame 3: 苦労が輝く国語の一家。
Translation: “Effort pays off in a family of the Japanese language.”
Description: This panel shows a domestic scene, saturated with Japanese politeness and language. A Korean family performs the idealized “Imperial subject” family life, down to scripted greetings. The father says ただいま ("I'm home"). Mother says あなた、おかえりなさい ("Welcome home, dear!"). The child says おとうさん、おかえり ("Dad, welcome home!"). 

Frame 4: 警戒警報ですと国語で告げる。
Translation: “The air-raid warning is announced in Japanese.”
Description: A woman shouts an alert through a loud horn, her words in Japanese. Even danger must be communicated in the colonizer’s tongue, even if most of her neighbors may not understand Japanese.

Frame 5: この苦労も兵隊の母になるため。
Translation: “All this effort is to become the mother of a soldier.”
Description: A Korean mother studies a Japanese textbook. In her mind’s eye, she imagines her son proudly serving in the Japanese military. Her sacrifice, framed as noble, feeds the war machine of a regime that is determined to erase her language, culture, and identity.

This AIUEO March cartoon strip was part of a larger Japanese-language four-page supplement published in the November 1, 1943 issue of Maeil Sinbo (매일신보 / 每日申報), the last remaining Korean-language newspaper during the Imperial Japanese colonial period. By 1940, all other Korean-language publications had been shut down, and Maeil Sinbo, under strict Japanese control as a tool for Imperial propaganda, became the last operational Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

This supplement was written in basic Japanese, primarily using Hiragana and Katakana, to make it accessible to Koreans with limited Japanese literacy. But it was not just a language learning aid - it also doubled as a war propaganda medium.

Each AIUEO cartoon strip is organized around a five-character sequence of the Japanese kana syllabary, such as ka-ki-ku-ke-ko (かきくけこ) or sa-shi-su-se-so (さしすせそ), and is divided into five panels. Each panel begins with a different kana character from that set, illustrating an ideal picture of life in Korea that was promoted as a part of Imperial Japanese propaganda. This particular cartoon strip published on November 1, 1943, is organized around the ka-ki-ku-ke-ko (かきくけこ) kana group.

I carefully browsed the October, November, and December 1943 collections of Maeil Sinbo in the Digital Newspaper Archives of the National Library of Korea, and I was able to find the AIUEO cartoon strips for all the kana groups except for two: a-i-u-e-o (あいうえお) and ra-ri-ru-re-ro (らりるれろ). I'm not sure if they were never published, got lost when the newspaper archive was established, or I simply missed them as I pored through the newspaper pages, but I hope to eventually post all of the surviving AIEUO cartoon strips online. 

Source: National Library of Korea, Digital Newspaper Archive

Imperial Japanese cartoon from 1943 shows how Koreans were forced to bow to the Emperor every morning, speak Japanese, and accept poverty without complaints

This 1943 propaganda cartoon depicts an idealized portrait of life as model Korean subjects under Imperial Japanese rule. It shows a soldier reading a letter from his mother written in Japanese in Katakana, mother and child making their daily mandatory morning bow towards the Imperial palace, a "cheerful village that does not complain", two older Korean women speaking Japanese with joy, and a Korean mother sitting with her son reading a war propaganda story about a fighter pilot.

The translated text is as follows.

Frame 1: 母の手紙はカタカナばかり
Translation: "Mother's letter is written entirely in Katakana."
Context: The scene depicts a young soldier holding a letter and thinking of his mother. The fact that the letter is written only in Katakana suggests that his Korean mother is not fully literate in Japanese. 

Frame 2: 東に向かって朝の遥拝
Translation: "Morning worship facing east."
Context: This frame depicts Koreans performing 宮城遥拝 (Kyūjō Yōhai), the mandatory daily bowing towards the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This ritual, imposed at 7 AM each morning with loud sirens, was meant to instill loyalty to the Japanese Emperor. It was part of the larger effort to erase Korean identity and enforce subjugation through cultural and religious indoctrination. 

Frame 3: 不平を言わない明るい部落 （平和里入口）
Translation: "A cheerful village that does not complain." (Peaceful Village Entrance)
Context: The “cheerful village” was often, in reality, a buraku—a shantytown where Koreans were often forced to live under poor conditions. By claiming that the village “does not complain,” the cartoon sends an overt message of compliance and submission, discouraging any dissatisfaction with their hardship. The name 平和里 (Peace Village) is deeply ironic, as these settlements were known for their substandard housing, lack of infrastructure, and poverty. The propaganda intent here is clear: to depict forced displacement as harmonious and orderly.

Frame 4: 下手でも国語で話す嬉しさ （あれあれ、あれがねえ～）
Translation: "The joy of speaking Japanese, even if spoken poorly." ("Well, well, that is…")
Context: This frame encourages Koreans to speak Japanese, reinforcing the Imperial policy of 国語常用 (Kokugo Jōyō), or mandatory use of the national language. Speaking Japanese was a requirement in schools, workplaces, and public life, with the use of Korean strongly discouraged or punished. The forced language shift was part of Japan’s broader assimilation campaign.

Frame 5: 本が読めて良いお母さん （荒鷲の勇ましいお話です）
Translation: "A good mother who can read books." ("This is a valiant story about an Arawashi fighter pilot")
Context: This frame glorifies military propaganda, depicting a mother sitting in front of her son and reading a story about 荒鷲 (Arawashi), or Wild Eagle, a reference to Imperial Japan’s fighter planes.  The scene emphasizes the idealized role of a “good mother” as someone who educates her children with militaristic narratives, preparing the next generation to be loyal to Imperial Japan. 

The アイウエオ行進曲 cartoon strip was part of a larger four-page supplement published in the November 18, 1943 issue of Maeil Sinbo (매일신보 / 每日申報), the last remaining Korean-language newspaper during the Imperial Japanese colonial period. By 1940, all other Korean-language publications had been shut down, and Maeil Sinbo, under strict Japanese control as a tool for Imperial propaganda, became the last operational Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

This supplement was written in basic Japanese, primarily using Hiragana and Katakana, to make it accessible to Koreans with limited Japanese literacy. But it was not just a language learning aid - it also doubled as a war propaganda medium.

One of the most telling features of this supplement was its vocabulary column, which defined common Japanese words for Korean readers. This particular edition introduced words that started with い in Japanese, such as ‘house’ (家) and ‘dog’ (犬), making it appear like a simple educational tool. However, the section entitled「復習、国語の近道」(Review: The Shortcut to the Japanese language) reveals the true intent behind the supplement.

At first glance, this section provides simple definitions of Japanese words in Korean, such as:

• 今月 (kongetsu) - This month
• 二十日 (hatsuka) - The 20th day

However, when these vocabulary words are strung together in context, they form a war propaganda sentence:

"卒業生もできるそうですね。今年職についてなるべく特別志願兵制。今月二十日迷ってる、間に合わない。"
("It seems that even graduates can do it. This year, as much as possible, join the special volunteer soldier system. If you hesitate past the 20th of this month, it will be too late.")

This sentence was a direct push for young Koreans to volunteer for the Imperial Japanese Army, reinforcing the recruitment drive for Korean soldiers under the 特別志願兵制度 (Special Volunteer Soldier System). This “voluntary” system was anything but voluntary—Koreans were heavily pressured, and by 1944, forced conscription was officially enacted.

Japanese colonial masters were told to ‘love’ their Korean subjects by punching them ‘Bam!’ with an ‘iron fist’ if they became ‘unsteady and unfocused’ during their rigorous training to cultivate the ‘Japanese Spirit’ (Sasakawa remarks, Seoul 1943)

During World War II, in colonial Korea, guest speakers from mainland Japan frequently visited to give speeches aimed at boosting morale and reinforcing loyalty to Imperial Japan. These speakers were often staunch Imperialist ideologues whose words were crafted to inspire support for the war effort. Among them was Ryōichi Sasakawa, the founder and leader of the National Essence League (国粋同盟), one of the most extreme right-wing political organizations in wartime Japan. Sasakawa admired Benito Mussolini and modeled his organization on Italian Fascist principles.

Portrait of Sasakawa in August 1943 article.

At the end of World War II, Sasakawa, along with Kishi Nobusuke (Shinzo Abe's grandfather) and Kodama Yoshio, were classified as Class A war criminals and imprisoned at Sugamo Prison after Japan's defeat. However, they were later released by the Allies due to his staunch anti-communism. Sasakawa, Kishi, and Kodama became key players in the political landscape of post-war Japan, continuing their careers as unreformed Imperialists to try to reconstitute as much of the old Imperial Japan as possible in the post-war environment. Among other things, Sasakawa also played a key role in establishing a relationship between the Unification Church of Reverend Moon and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of post-war Japan (this is probably a topic that deserves its own post).

The article shared here offers a glimpse into Sasakawa's 1943 visit to China and Korea. While he held a position as a Diet parliament member, Sasakawa spent much of the war giving motivational speeches to the Imperial Army and the general public across the Empire to boost war morale. In his remarks during this visit, he encouraged leaders to "punch Koreans with an iron fist" if they seemed unsteady and unfocused (ふらふら), claiming that such actions were acts of love (可愛ければこその鉄拳である) necessary to bring them back in line. This philosophy aligned with the broader Imperial Japanese military culture, which heavily relied on corporal punishment. In this way, the physical abuse of Koreans was normalized in Imperial Japanese culture and rationalized as an act of tough love to mold the Koreans into 'true Japanese people'. 

Interestingly, this physically abusive training style found favor with figures like Park Chung-hee, the late South Korean dictator, who was trained as an Imperial Army officer during the war. Park even approvingly referred to such harsh methods as ビンタ教育. In this context, it would seem that, as the dictator, Park played a key role in nurturing the culture of physical abuse that was pervasive in the South Korean military at the time.

In addition to Sasakawa's visit, I have included other articles from the same newspaper page that shed light on the broader context. One details the "training" of Koreans in various dojos across Japan, such as Tokyo and Fujisawa, where they were subjected to similar physical discipline to mold them into 'true Japanese people.' The fact that the colonial regime went through the trouble and expense of relocating them to mainland Japan for training strongly suggests that these dojos were meant to 'train the trainers', so that the graduates would go back to Korea as senior teachers to mold generations of Koreans into 'true Japanese people'.  Another describes a propaganda lecture by a less prominent Imperial Army officer who visited Manchuria and Seoul. These lectures were often free to ensure mass attendance.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) August 10, 1943

Relentless Drive Without Reasoning: Diet Member Sasakawa Speaks Cheerfully

"One must become a fanatic for patriotism and love for others, otherwise it is useless. Once you achieve this state, you become impervious to the heat, the cold, and neither praise nor criticism will matter. Farmers can till their fields, and merchants can conduct their trade without distractions." With these words, Diet member and head of the National Essence League, Ryōichi Sasakawa, passionately struck the table with his fan, his eyes flashing brightly. Returning from an inspection tour of Central and Northern China to promote the "Yamamoto Spirit," Sasakawa entered the city on the 6th and spoke on the 9th at the Hantō Hotel, under the blazing afternoon sun.

"I am delighted that Korea has finally introduced a conscription system and that the Navy's special volunteer system will be implemented. This is good news. Once it is fully operational, the theory of Japanese-Korean Unification will no longer be reversible. Government and civilians alike must act as one, with words and actions in perfect alignment. I met with both the Governor-General and the Director-General, and they were already out working by 7 a.m. That is how it must be. Their enthusiasm was evident. Words and actions must be consistent. The people must be inspired to take action. Bureaucrats must not worry about saving face. There is no room for reasoning. Only with this mindset can we achieve increased production, training, and ultimately serve the nation. Overcomplicating things is unnecessary. To win, we must set reasoning aside. If we get bogged down by logic, we will fail to act," Sasakawa said, striking his knee with his fan.

His fan bore the words, "Thunder is the music of the heavens, earthquakes are the dance of the earth, everything is to be enjoyed," written by himself. He continued, "The guidance of our Korean compatriots requires great effort and strength. Even in daily training, forging the spirit is essential. Without a firm and unyielding stance of the spirit, one quickly becomes unsteady and unfocused. In such moments, a leader must 'Bam!' deliver a punch with an iron fist to restore their composure. This is an iron fist born out of love. By casting aside selfishness through this great love and strength, and by leading by example, the people can advance with unwavering resolve, dedicating themselves fully to increased production and rigorous training, moving forward with all their strength toward victory."

Like a Zen monk devoted to self-sacrifice and patriotic sincerity, Sasakawa slightly smiled, his eyes sparkling with determination.

Instilling the "Japanese Spirit"

Misogi Training for Korean Students in Japan

Tokyo Report – In order to fully instill the true "Japanese Spirit" into Korean students preparing to enter the job market in September, the Korean Scholarship Association has been organizing intensive training sessions in Mitaka Town, Tokyo; Ichinomiya Town, Gunma Prefecture; Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Ōta Town and Kashima Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. One such session at the Mitaka Town Prosperous Asia Training Dojo ran from the 7th to the 10th of last month, with thirty-five students participating in a rigorous training retreat. Under the guidance of Takayama Shaji, a priest of the Kugenuma Inari Shrine, and Takeo Amagawa, a kendo instructor from the Central Training Center for overseas compatriots who are originally from Jeollabuk-do, students engaged in four days of Misogi purification rituals, worship for twelve hours, six hours of lectures, three hours of martial arts practice, and nine hours of agricultural work each day.

A typical day's schedule began at 4:30 a.m. with the sound of clappers signaling wake-up, followed by a refreshing Misogi morning purification at Senkawa, surrounded by the greenery of Musashino. The distinct feature of this dojo's program is its emphasis on "purification through labor," or soil purification, promoted by Takayama Shaji, based on the spirit of Japan's ancient farming traditions. This method seeks to instill the true Japanese spirit through hands-on practice while strengthening war power under wartime conditions. It is evident that the training is closely tied to practical life. When asked about their experiences, a participating student remarked,

"Recently, sitting for long periods was quite painful, but as I became accustomed to it, I gradually came to understand the Japanese spirit through discipline. I also realized that Japan and Korea share a deep-rooted family-centered ethos since ancient times. This realization brought me great joy. I now understand that it is our duty to develop Korea’s family-oriented principles into a larger, family-centered framework."

Lecture by Major General Kaneko Teiichi

To Be Held at Seoul Citizens Hall on the 12th

While the Imperial Army continues relentless battles on land and sea against the demonic Anglo-American forces, our publication and the Maeil Sinbo newspaper have arranged for Major General Teiichi Kaneko, a former army officer and current member of the House of Representatives with deep ties to Korea, to participate in the Second Prosperous Asia Group Meeting in Shinkyō, Manchuria, on the 16th. On his return, he will deliver a lecture on the "Current and Final Stages of the World War" on the 22nd at 2 p.m. at Seoul Citizens Hall. Admission to this lecture will be free of charge.

500-Yen Donation Commemorating the Implementation of Conscription

On the 9th, Kawakami Hiroasa, the representative of the Cheondogyo Temple, visited the office of the Korean Federation of National Power to express gratitude for the implementation of conscription and presented a donation of 500 yen collected by members.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1943年8月10日

理窟抜きの驀進だ

笹川代議士朗らかに語る

『愛国愛人狂にならんと駄目。これになれば暑いことも寒いことも判らん。毀誉褒貶耳に入らずに農民は田を耕し商人は商売が出来るんだ』と、愛国の熱情を扇子と共にデンと卓に叩きつけた、国粋同盟総裁代議士笹川良一氏の目がきらりと光った。中支、北支を視察”山本魂”鼓吹行脚の帰途六日入城。宿舎半島ホテルで九日烈日の西陽を受けながら総裁は語るのだ。

『朝鮮も愈々徴兵制が布かれ、海軍特別志願兵制も実施されることになり嬉しい。良いことだ。これが出来上がれば内鮮一体論などはもう過去に翻すことになるのだ。官民一体、言行一致で行かなければならん。僕は総督にも、総監にも会ったが、御両人共に朝七時頃にはもう出掛けていた。これでなければいかんのだ。大いに張り切っとるね。言行一致だ。国民をして感奮興起せしめなければならん。役人は面子を考えてはいかん。理窟抜きだ。この気持ちになってこそ増産も錬成も出来、国家の為に尽くすことが出来るのだ。むずかしいことを言うてはいかん。勝ち抜くためには理窟は抜きだ。理窟を並べていては理窟倒れとなり実行は出来なのだ』と、膝をポンと叩いて総裁は扇子を開いて見せた。

それには『雷鳴りは天の音楽、地震は地球の舞踏、万事楽しむ』と自ら書いてあった。そしてまた『半島同胞の指導は大変と力を必要とする。日々の錬成にしても魂の錬成が必要だ。魂に不動の姿勢がなければすぐふらふらとなる。その時指導者はボカンと一つ鉄拳をくらわせばふらふらは立ち直る。可愛ければこその鉄拳である。この大愛と力でもって私心を去り率先垂範してこそ民衆は理屈抜きに勝ち抜くために増産へ錬成へ命がけで驀進出来るのだ』

滅私奉公、愛国の至誠に徹した禅坊主のような心境である総裁はきりっとしまった口元を微かに綻ばせ眸で笑った。

叩き込む”日本精神”

半島出身学生に禊の錬成

【東京電話】九月就職戦線に進出する半島出身学生に真の日本精神を体得せしむべく朝鮮奨学会では東京都三鷹町、群馬県一ノ宮町、神奈川県藤沢市、茨城県太田町同じく鹿島町などに同会主催の錬成会を開催している。その一つ三鷹町興亜錬成道場は去る七日から十日まで三十五名の学徒が合宿錬成にいそしんでいるが、鵠沼稲荷神社高山社司、全北道出身海外同胞中央錬成所剣道教師天川武雄氏指導の下に四日間を通じて禊、拝神十二時間、講話六時間、武道三時間、農耕九時間の日程である。

一日の日課はまず午前四時半拍子木の音とともに起床、武蔵野の緑に包まれた千川での清々しい暁の禊にはじまる。この道場の一特色は高山社司の主唱の下に我が国古来の農民精神を汲み、特に汗を通じての『禊』たる土の禊を強調している点で、実戦によって真の日本精神を体得させるとともに決戦下戦力増強につながる。真に生活に即した錬成を目指していることが、はっきりと看取される。右錬成参加の学生の体験を訊くと、

「最近は坐ることが非常に苦痛でしたが段々馴れるに従って日本精神が躾けながらわかって来ました。家族を中心とする点に於いて太古以来内鮮は共通したものを持っていることがわかり、こんな嬉しいことはありません。今後は朝鮮に於ける家族主義をより大きな家族中心へと発展させることがわれわれの努力すべき義務であるとわかりました」と語っていた。

金子定一少将の講演会

十二日府民館で

鬼畜米英を向かうに廻して皇軍は陸に海に日夜間断なき攻防戦を繰り返しているとき、本社及び毎日新報社では朝鮮に馴染み深い武人たる現衆議院議員金子定一陸軍少将が来る十六日より新京で開催する第二回興亜団体懇談会に出席し、帰途来城するのを機会に、来る二十二日午後二時より府民館で時局講演会を開催する。金子少将の演題は『世界大戦の現段階と最終段階』と決定。当日は入場無料である。

徴兵記念に五百円献金

九日、朝鮮聯盟事務局に天道教会代表教領川上広朝氏が訪れ、徴兵制実施に感激し会員が集金した五百円を献金。

Source: https://archive.org/details/kjnp-1943-08-10/page/n2/mode/1up

Korean forced laborers worked the Gyeongsan cobalt mine under Japanese control from 1940 to 1945, which later became the site of a massacre of political prisoners in 1950 at the onset of the Korean War

This article from 1943 highlights Korean forced laborers in a Japanese-owned cobalt mine located in what is now Gyeongsan City. While recent news coverage has covered the controversy over the Korean forced laborers in the Sado Gold Mine, this article reminds us that, for every prominent mine like Sado Gold Mine, there were probably many other Imperial Japanese mines like it that receive much less public attention, but were also egregious in their use of Korean forced labor.

Female Korean workers descending the mountain of the cobalt mine.

According to the article, the laborers' work environment was heavily militarized like a prison camp. Like in the rest of colonial Korea, everyone was required to perform the mandatory daily 7 am and 12 noon prayers. There were usually loud sirens marking those two times of the day, and you had to immediately stop what you were doing and perform the prayers. The 7 am Kyūjō Yōhai ritual (宮城遥拝) involved deeply bowing several times in the direction of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo while standing, vowing loyalty to the Emperor. The noon prayer was a moment of silence in honor of the Imperial Japanese soldiers.

The laborers had only three rest days each month. These 'weekends' were filled with mandatory indoctrination sessions to enforce State Shinto religious practices and Japanese language classes. In a typical colonial tactic of pitting colonized people against each other, the laborers were divided into 'workplace patriotic groups'. Collaborators were recruited and appointed to control each group on behalf of the colonizers.

These patriotic groups were pitted against each other in competitions to curry favor with their bosses. They competed to be the most productive, efficient, and punctual in the mine. Fierce competition led one group to propose working for free on public holidays and donating their entire day's pay toward the war effort. This obsequious proposal was implemented and enforced across the entire labor force.

Patriotic groups (JP: aikoku-han, KR: aeguk-ban, 愛國班) were established not only in this mine, but also in neighborhoods and companies all over Korea to enforce colonial rule. All patriotic groups belonged to the Korean Federation of National Power (国民総力朝鮮連盟, 국민총력조선연맹), which functioned as the one and only political party of Korea.

After the Korean War, the mine became the site of the Gyeongsan Cobalt Mine Massacre (Namu Wiki article link) of July to September 1950, when the South Korean government brought political prisoners to the mine, beat, shot, and burned them with flame-throwers, and threw down the mine shaft, which was then dynamited to obscure evidence. During the military dictatorships and repressive regimes of President Rhee Syngman, General Chun Doo-hwan, and President Park Chung-hee, these atrocities were kept secret and surviving family members silenced. It was only in the year 2000 under the presidency of Kim Dae-jung that a special law related to the Jeju Uprising, another Korean War massacre site, was passed and all bereaved families members were finally encouraged and invited to register as such.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) August 28, 1943

**Visiting the facilities to witness the increased production of special minerals (2)**

*The Noble Drug of the Ore World*

*Increased Production of Cobalt Ore*

**The Story of the Patriotic Mine**

It was January 1940 on a snowy day. A person from mainland Japan, accompanied by a hunting dog setter, was seen near the site of an abandoned gold mine in Amnyang-myeon (압량면, 押梁面) of Gyeongsan County, North Gyeongsang Province, which had long been idle. While casually approaching the abandoned mine with a hunting rifle on his shoulder, the dog, which had been walking ahead, suddenly fell into the shaft of the former mine, which had filled with groundwater to a depth of more than forty feet, turning it into a well. The man hurriedly ran to a nearby village for help and eventually managed to rescue his dog. During this process, he noticed a strange ore among the high piles of waste rock by the roadside. This ore turned out to be cobalt ore, which has since come into the spotlight as a prominent mineral, and the hunter from mainland Japan was none other than Mr. Shūzō Ninomiya, the owner of the current Patriotic Cobalt Mine.

◇

Initially, world production of cobalt was thought to be limited to certain regions: Canada 29%, France 26%, India 12%, and British Rhodesia (in Southern Africa) 33%. Although there were minor yields in Yamaguchi, Hyōgo, and Ehime Prefectures in Japan, and small quantities associated with gold and silver in arsenopyrite in Korea, these were so minimal that they were not economically viable to exploit.

However, cobalt, a precious resource often compared to a noble drug, is crucial for manufacturing scientific weapons under wartime conditions, serving as a special steel raw material with low wear for pistons, shafts, and cylinders. It is also an essential resource as a catalyst for synthetic oil and rubber. Therefore, the discovery of a vein with an estimated grade of [censored]% and an extension of [censored] kilometers was a significant stimulus to the concerned parties.

Thus, in January 1941, the "Patriotic Cobalt Mine" was formally registered. Coincidentally, the beloved dog that had led to the discovery of the mine died suddenly, adding a potential future legendary element to the mine's story.

Regardless, the military took a keen interest in the mine due to the ongoing war situation, and rapid production expansion began in January 1942 with their support.

◇

The journalist was granted special permission to tour the site with Mr. Ninomiya. While the exact production volume, facilities, plans, and labor details cannot be disclosed, it was astonishing to see the development progress achieved in just two years since securing a loan of [censored] million yen.

Out of the current labor force of [censored] people, [censored] are women and girls from the workers' families, and their good attendance record and operating rate of [censored]% reflect their deep commitment as wartime mine workers. This achievement is undoubtedly the result of enthusiastic guidance and constant training, as demonstrated by the military-style command of "Kiwotsuke! (Attention!)" upon the journalist's arrival at the office, followed by the mine owner's acknowledgment with "Keirei! (Salute!)" and the order to "Yasume! (At ease!)" before resuming work.

The daily routine includes a morning worship similar to that at Tatsushiro Mine, with Kyūjō Yōhai (prayers to the Imperial Palace), worshiping the mountain gods, silent contemplation, followed by instructions from the section managers. On the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month, special training days are held with returning veteran lieutenants as instructors, conducting individual and group training. The managers also rotate through the different sections and conduct lectures on current events. What is particularly noteworthy about this mine are the workplace patriotic groups. These groups are organized by teams at each site with the team leader becoming the patriotic group leader. The groups hold informal Japanese language classes during lunch and meetings to facilitate communication between management and workers.

It goes without saying that all employees and workers wear traditional jika tabi footwear and kyahan leg wraps. However, they also uniformly have shaved heads, a practice initiated by the staff to set an example, which quickly spread throughout the workplace patriotic groups, resulting in everyone having shaved heads.

As an example of upward communication, during the recent collection of donations for the death of Admiral Yamamoto and the heroic defense of Attu Island by General Yamasaki's forces, the workplace patriotic groups originally proposed a plan to contribute a certain percentage of income. However, a decision was made at a meeting of team leaders to work on public holidays without pay with the resolve to "die in battle on any day", donating the entire day's income as a contribution. This resulted in a sacred sum of 1,200 yen being donated.

These efforts reflect the effectiveness of the workplace groups and the manifestation of a total mobilization movement from the ground up, also showing that they recognize the current wartime circumstances.

However, the mountain is still young. With the expansion of production facilities in full swing as the increased production period approaches, material procurement is progressing smoothly, and groundbreaking production facilities are expected to be completed soon. Plans for special bonuses during the increased production period with competitions for rewards for high work efficiency, perfect attendance, and no tardiness are also finalized. As the workers' enthusiasm for the upcoming increased production period reaches a peak, the mine is thriving with activity, unaffected by the baseless rumors circulating in the streets. In the near future, production is expected to double, which aligns with the urgent needs of wartime Japan. (Special Correspondent Watanabe)

*Photo: Female mine workers descending the mountain*

[Transcription]

京城日報 1943年8月28日

特殊鉱増産を現地に視る（２）

鉱石界の高貴薬

コバルト鉱に増産の槌

報国鉱山の巻

昭和十五年の一月、それは雪の日であった。慶北慶山郡押梁面の、今は休山と化した一金山の廃坑附近に猟犬セッターを連れた一内地人の姿が見受けられた。猟銃を肩に何気なく廃坑に近づいて二、三歩．．．途端に一足前を進んでいた愛犬が深さ四十尺余地下水が溜まって井戸と化した曾ての廃坑内に転げ落ちてしまった。慌てて附近の部落に駆け戻り助けを求めた上漸く愛犬を救い上げたが、その際路傍に堆高く積まれたズリの中に発見された異様な鉱石に彼の目は輝いたのである。その鉱石こそ今や時代の脚光を浴びる特殊鉱界の花形コバルト鉱であり、狩猟姿の一内地人とは、言う迄もなく現報国コバルト鉱山鉱業主二宮衆三氏であった。

◇

元来、コバルトの世界生産はカナダ29％、仏蘭西26％、印度12％、南阿の英領ローデシア地方33％という比率で他の地域からは産出しないものといわれていた。尤も本邦内にも山口、兵庫、愛媛の各県下に多少の産出を見、我が朝鮮でも硫砒鉄鉱中の金、銀に多少随伴するのではあるが、それらはあまりにも微量であって、その殆どが採算上企業化し得ないものである。

而もこのコバルトは摩滅度の小なる特殊鋼原料としてピストン、シャフト、シリンダー等決戦下の我が科学兵器製造上、高貴薬にも比すべき貴重資源であり且つ人造石油、合成ゴムの触媒としても極めて重要資源なのである。斯かる折柄、品位〇、〇％推定鉱脈延長〇キロの同鉱山が発見されたことは、関係方面に対し大きな衝動を与えるには十分であった。

かくて十六年一月『報国コバルト鉱山』として正式に登録されたが、この登録の完了と同時に不思議にもかの愛犬が頓死したことは、この山の発見に絡む一挿話として、或は将来に於ける山の伝説的物語ともなろうか。

さて、それは兎も角として、時局柄この山へ最も関心と期待を寄せたのは軍部で、その援助によって十七年一月始業、急速な増産が進められているのである。

◇

記者は特に許されて鉱主二宮氏に案内され、仔細に視察することを得たが、遺憾ながら茲にその生産量は勿論、生産施設や計画、労務について記述することを得ない。併しその開発ぶりが、〇百万円の融資を受けて以来僅か二年の間にこれ程迄に急速に進められた、ということについては驚嘆せざるを得なかったわけだ。

現在稼働労務者〇〇〇名のうち〇〇〇名はその家族たる婦女子であり、その出勤率を含めてもなお稼働率〇〇％という好成績は、流石に彼等が時局鉱山労務者としての認識に徹底していることを物語るものであるといえよう。勿論その稼働率の好成績も熱意ある指導と絶えざる錬成の結果によるものであることは断るまでもない。それは記者が鉱主に案内されて事務所に到着したとき先ず『気を付けっ』の軍隊式号令に迎えられたことによっても判るのである。そして『敬礼っ』鉱主の答礼を以て『休めっ』再び執務は続けられるという調子である。そこで、茲の錬成を簡単に紹介しよう。

始業前の朝拝は達城鉱山同様、宮城遥拝、山神拝礼、黙祷、係課長の訓示であるが、毎月八、十八、二十八の日は特別錬成日として帰還勇士の中尉を教官として各個教練、部隊教練を実施している。そして各課長が各区を巡回、時局講演を行っているが特に変っているのは職場愛国班である。それは各現場の組毎に班を組織し組長が班長となり昼食時、現場に於いて固苦しくない国語の教授を行うほか随時常会を開き上意下通と下意上通に努めているのである。

職員も鉱員も全部が地下足袋、巻脚絆であることは云わずもがなだが、それらの全員がまた一様に丸刈りであることもこの職場愛国班の徹底による結果である。即ち職員の側から提唱された丸刈り励行は職員の率先垂範と共に全職場愛国班に伝えられ、その申合せとなって瞬く間に全員が丸坊主化してしまったのであった。

また下意上通の一例として、去る日山本元帥の戦死、アツツ島山崎部隊の玉砕に際して行われた健艦献金には当初事務所側から収入の幾パーセント宛かを拠出という形式による旨を職場愛国班に図ったのであるが職場班班長会議の結果、公休日を休まず『一日戦死』の覚悟で働き抜き、その全収入を献金としようということに一決。即座に全班に伝えられ、その結果は一千二百円の聖なる汗の結晶が献金されたのである。

これらは職場班の効果であると共に所謂下より盛り上がる総力運動の顕現であり同時に時局認識の表われとしても注目に値するものであろう。

しかし山はまだ若い。増産期間を目前に控えた今、山は生産施設の拡充に多忙の真っ最中だ。幸い資材の入手は順調で近く画期的増産施設完成の見透しもついている。増産期間中の特例給与として職場能率競争、無欠勤、無遅刻者への表彰方法等の計画も出来上がった。初めて迎える増産期間への労務者の情熱も愈々高潮し、世にこの山のことども発表されざるが故の、巷間に流布される愚かなデマを他所に、山は極めて明瞭に活気づいている。近い将来にその出鉱量は恐らく倍加するであろう。そしてそれはまた戦時日本の切実な要求でもあるのだ。（渡辺特派員記）【写真＝山を降りる鉱婦たち】

Source: https://archive.org/details/kjnp-1943-08-28/mode/1up

Pro-Japanese Korean colonel (신태영)’s full 1943 speech offering Koreans redemption from their “shame” inherited from ancestors who made them “like cats and dogs” that seek safety and parental attachments over national duty, giving them a chance to volunteer in the Imperial Army

Throughout 1943 in colonial Korea, the main national newspaper of the country, Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo), was filled with war propaganda encouraging young Korean men to enlist in the Imperial Japanese military to fight Britain and America in the Pacific War. This article is just one of many such pieces of wartime propaganda published in 1943, but this speech particularly stands out in that it was written by a prominent pro-Japanese ethnic Korean military official (Colonel Shin Tae-young, aka Hirayama), and it contains a lot of self-hating, explicit language demeaning Korea and Koreans while encouraging young Koreans to become Japanese and volunteer to fight for Imperial Japan. 

Lieutenant Colonel Shin Tae-young, aka Hirayama

Hirayama had a long, distinguished in the Imperial Army which started around 1909 and lasted throughout the entire period of the Imperial Japanese colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945. Interestingly, he went on to become Lieutenant General in the South Korean Army and Minister of National Defense of South Korea in 1952 and was eventually buried with honors in the Seoul National Cemetery, which is a heated point of controversy, as many Koreans believe that he was a traitor who does not deserve to be honored as a Korean national hero. I shared the first part of his memoir in a previous post. This is the second part of his memoir, which was published on November 18, 1943, the day after the first part was published.

Hirayama's rant can be a tedious read, but let's hone in particularly on what he says about Koreans. Hirayama accuses Koreans of being complacent and indifferent like spectators toward the war, being hypocritical for demanding more political rights but evading their responsibilities by making excuses for not enlisting, neglecting national duty, and cultivating a servile and selfish mindset. He blames these transgressions on the shame that Koreans supposedly inherited from their ancestors: a culture with a "soft, scholarly lifestyle" that places family above nation, a parental attachment to their children that is so strong it amounts to "animalistic love", and a concern with safety that amounts to "becoming like a dog or a cat".

Hirayama weaves in some Korean history by mentioning the Qing invasion of Joseon of 1636-1637 and bringing up obscure historical figures from that event such as Jeong Gwang-gyeong, Yun Jip, and Kim Ryu as examples of corrupt Korean officials who were dishonorable and shameless, as if to imply that modern Koreans inherited their national shame from ancestors like these figures.

Hirayama then offers Koreans a way to redeem themselves and free themselves of this inherited ancestral shame: by volunteering and enlisting in the Imperial Japanese Military, which would instill in them the Japanese spirit and discipline and fully transform them into loyal, pure Japanese people, thereby achieving true Japanese-Korean unification. 

Hirayama then makes some threats against Koreans in his rant. He says, "Koreans must realize that their own actions have always led to the downfall of Korea", as if to preemptively blame the Koreans for the defeat of Imperial Japan, if it happens. Towards the end of the rant, he warns that, if any Korean student has to be forcibly conscripted because he didn't volunteer, then the honor of Koreans will be completely tarnished. Thus, Koreans are supposedly collectively responsible for their actions as a group, rather than as individuals, so if any Korean fails to volunteer, then all Koreans have to suffer the consequences of the loss of honor because of that one Korean individual's treacherous actions.

Hirayama denies being bribed by authorities or requested by the Imperial military to publish this speech, but his decades-long career with the Imperial Army and prominent rank seem to indicate that he has already received many favors from the colonial authorities and the Imperial Army for his many years of collaboration.

It's especially striking how dark and ominous the tone of Part 2 is compared to Part 1, which has more of a personal, heartfelt tone. It's also interesting that Hirayama identifies himself more as a Korean in Part 2, and identifies himself more as a Japanese in Part 1. The two parts of the memoir seem to depict a complex man with many inner contradictions and conflicts, straddling and attempting to reconcile two different cultures and ethnicities: Korean and Japanese.

Note: "Yamato people" refers to ethnic Japanese people throughout the memoir.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) November 18, 1943

The Future of Korea Depends on the Students (Part 2)

Memoir by Imperial Army Lieutenant Colonel Hirayama Hoei, an ethnic Korean

Decide Without Hesitation!

The only way forward is to become loyal and good Imperial subjects

As the Manchurian Incident evolved into the China Incident, the sincerity of Korean patriotism was recognized. As a prerequisite for the implementation of the conscription system in Korea, the special volunteer soldier system was introduced, and many volunteers have already participated in actual combat. These special volunteers have demonstrated their true value as members of the Imperial Army, proving themselves equal to the pure Yamato (Japanese) people. As the Greater East Asia War progresses, the number of volunteers has dramatically increased each year. The patriotism of the Korean people as a whole has reached its peak. As a result, the long-standing desire of Koreans for the implementation of the conscription system has been realized with the promulgation of the relevant laws in the midst of the Greater East Asia War. This system is scheduled to be implemented starting next year, with compulsory education set to commence in 1946.

When comparing this to the state of internal Korean-Japanese relations from the time of the annexation of Korea until very recently, it must be recognized that this represents a rapid and significant transformation for Korea. We must be confident that the foundation for Japanese-Korean unification has already been established. In times of peace and security, there were calls for the implementation of compulsory education, the establishment of a conscription system, and the granting of political rights. However, when faced with a national crisis of life and death, there were those who resorted to pointless arguments to evade their responsibilities. Can Koreans, both now and in the future, truly live their lives this way?

Today's Greater East Asia War is a decisive battle where the entire Greater East Asian population, risking their lives, is fighting against the long-standing enemies of three hundred years, the United States and Britain. The billion people of Greater East Asia are fighting with all their heart and soul. Can Koreans alone remain complacent and indifferent like spectators? If the Empire loses this battle, the billion people of Greater East Asia will face extinction. Can Koreans alone believe that they can prosper?

Given the current situation, all people within the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, regardless of their location or circumstances, must transcend all emotions and personal interests. Without any excuses, this is the autumn when both the old and young, men and women, must rise, unite, and dedicate their lives to the destruction of the United States and Britain. It is truly disheartening to see some people making petty excuses regarding the newly promulgated special volunteer temporary recruitment regulations. At the very least, it makes me feel deeply ashamed to have been born in Korea. What a pitiful state this is!

Modern Koreans, especially qualified students and their parents, siblings, and other family members, should be genuinely fueled by patriotism and deeply understand the current situation. They should truly think about themselves and their families, be aware of the shame of Korea, and awaken to their mission as Japanese people. If this is the case, regardless of the content of the authorities' talks on the laws, whether it is in the form of voluntary enlistment or forced conscription, whether they are to be officers or ordinary soldiers, they should not be concerned with such trivial matters. Rather, they should compete against each other to be the first to join the military ranks.

Moreover, the current special temporary recruitment of volunteers is an unprecedented and significant favor for Korea, providing absolute light and hope for Korea's future. Let us reflect deeply on this together. How much do you think the Imperial Army is mobilizing in the current Greater East Asia War? Even considering just the occupied territories, it is common sense to imagine that the number reaches millions. Despite moving such a large force, it is clear that there are still ample human resources available, considering that, as in peacetime, only able-bodied men aged twenty are required to serve in the military.

In such circumstances, what difference would it make to mobilize five or six thousand Korean students? It is common sense that moving a large force requires a significant number of officers. Students from specialized schools and above in mainland Japan enter the army as officer personnel. If Korean students who have studied alongside them are left behind, it would indeed be an insult to Koreans and a form of discrimination against Koreans by the Japanese. Furthermore, most of the students from specialized schools and above, who are set to be conscripted next year, and their families are part of the intellectual and leadership class in Korea.

By becoming officers in the army, these individuals will become the forerunners for the thousands of soldiers who will be conscripted and join the army next year, rapidly achieving Japanese-Korean unification. Moreover, only by receiving military education can these core members truly grasp the Japanese spirit and bear the significant responsibility of leading the future of Korea.

The outcome of the Greater East Asia War has already been determined. An absolutely impregnable strategic stance has been established. No matter how much the United States and Britain struggle, they cannot possibly reverse this overwhelming trend. It does not matter what happens to Italy or if the Soviet Union confronts us; such matters have no bearing on the outcome of the Greater East Asia War. Victory is undoubtedly ours.

Our belief in inevitable victory is unshakable. When the Empire achieves victory, what will those Koreans who have adopted their current attitude have to say for themselves? They will likely find no place to set foot within the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Conversely, can they now really turn to the United States or Britain? Koreans must realize that their own actions have always led to the downfall of Korea.

Moreover, if even one person fails to volunteer and is looked down upon, do you think your juniors will be able to study alongside students from mainland Japan without feeling disgrace? Do you believe that such disloyal Koreans deserve higher education beyond the level of specialized schools? Those hesitant to volunteer have various complicated reasons. While there may be some truth in these reasons, the fact remains that if modern Koreans truly awaken to the current situation and willingly dedicate their lives to the Empire, these issues should soon be resolved as a natural consequence. And if, after displaying such loyalty as Imperial subjects, these issues remain unresolved, then it would be appropriate to make demands openly.

In any case, the survival of Korea lies in the hands of Koreans themselves. The path that Koreans must take should be paved by Koreans themselves. The reason I am speaking out so passionately is not because I have been requested by the military or bribed by the authorities. It is simply because, as one of the Emperor's subjects and particularly as a Korean, I cannot remain indifferent in the face of this situation. I was born in Korea and am well acquainted with Korean circumstances. When I dissect the psychology of those who are hesitant to express their willingness to volunteer, I can assert without hesitation that their various excuses are merely pretexts to avoid volunteering.

Historically, Korea has been characterized by an excessively misguided sense of familial attachment. Apart from the modern youth, anyone who is older will likely be familiar with the Qing Invasion of Joseon. This major event in Korean history occurred 308 years ago. Qing troops invaded Korea, and the king, along with his high officials, retreated and took refuge in Namhansanseong Fortress. The Qing troops besieged the fortress for forty-five days, placing Korea in a dire crisis of survival.

In such a national emergency, there was not a single person who earnestly tried to resolve the difficult situation. Arguments and debates ensued, with everyone stubbornly adhering to their own opinions, resulting in mere verbal conflicts. Jeong Gwang-gyeong, the Seungji (a high-ranking official), upon hearing that his elderly father’s place of refuge was attacked by the Qing troops, submitted his resignation, saying, "My mind is in chaos, my spirit is already scattered, and I am unable to fulfill my duties," and he returned home. Vice Chancellor Yun Jip, an extreme advocate of war who even attempted to kill a peace advocate, also lost his composure when he heard that the enemy had invaded Namyang, where his grandfather, wife, and siblings had taken refuge. He claimed, "I have lost my mind, my senses are confused, I have lost my sanity, and I cannot perform my duties," and requested to be relieved of his position.

An extreme example is the then Prime Minister and Chief of Staff, Kim Ryu. The queen had taken refuge on Ganghwa Island, and despite the king being worried about the lack of military preparations and struggling day and night with war expenses and provisions, Kim Ryu's private residence was guarded by government troops. His wife traveled around in a sedan chair, and his wealth was said to amount to seventy cartloads. This was the behavior of the nation's prime minister. He placed his own interests above those of his lord, his family above the nation. There was neither national honor nor shame in such conduct.

I do not believe that all Koreans are like this, nor do I think that the Korean spirit is inherently this way. As history has shown, Koreans possess a sense of righteous indignation and a latent spirit to live for a noble cause. However, years of a soft, scholarly lifestyle have ultimately led to a neglect of national duty and the cultivation of a servile and selfish mindset, which has persisted to this day. Modern Korean parents have a tendency to rely excessively on their children. What parents expect from their children is the eternal continuation of their lineage. The meaning of eternal continuation is not only the flourishing of descendants and the unbroken continuation of the lineage, but it must also naturally include the preservation of the family's honor.

However, today's Korean parents and grandparents are filled with the desire to rely on their descendants as they age. They are not content unless they keep their children and grandchildren close, like flowers to be admired, always under their care. If a child tries to engage in any manly endeavor, they are immediately stopped and led into passivity and retreat. It is hard to understand the mindset of parents who have children merely to rely on them in old age and to be taken care of by them. It is truly a disgraceful and laughable lack of spirit, something to be despised. Parents and grandparents cannot live forever, but the lives of their descendants are long. Parents should abandon their selfish wickedness and be content with praying for the future prosperity of their children.

Unlike the feudal era of the past, especially in modern times when the world is the stage, what do you intend to achieve in a tiny place like Korea? The love of parents who want to keep their children attached to them is something even dogs and cats possess. Humans should not be drowned in such animalistic love. Filial piety to parents is not a duty or a law; it is a morality based on natural reason. It must arise from the heart, without the need for parental demands. Filial piety is the foundation of human morality. However, being in perpetual attachment to one's parents is not the entirety of filial piety.

Modern young men, break away from the old ways! Your stage is vast and wide open. Break down outdated customs, and with firm determination, persuade your parents and grandparents, and boldly seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The fate of success or failure rests on your shoulders.

Some have said that they will not enlist even if conscripted. What a despicable and shameful mindset! Are you content to be safe, even if it means being trampled, kicked, or becoming like a dog or a cat? Do you not understand the meaning of conscription? Being conscripted does not necessarily mean you will be working only in Korea or mainland Japan. Why would conscription be necessary in places like Korea and mainland Japan, which have such poor resources? Even if conscripted, you will inevitably go to the front lines and work alongside brave soldiers. You will go to the battlefield, whether you are fighting with swords and guns or working with shovels, hammers, and pickaxes. You must also be prepared to face enemy air raids. You will need to receive the baptism of artillery fire from the enemy. Whether you die gloriously as an Imperial soldier who does not know when he will die, or die as a forced conscript, which is more honorable? If even one forced conscript emerges among Korean students, the honor of Koreans will be completely tarnished.

Humans are living beings who live by conviction. Where there is conviction, there is effort, hope arises, security accompanies, and there is joy. Our only path is to dedicate our lives to serving the Emperor and the nation as loyal Japanese subjects. We must firmly hold this conviction. It is absolute and unconditional. The time is imminent. Let us decide quickly and without hesitation.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1943年11月18日

朝鮮の将来は学徒に懸る（下）

半島出身陸軍中佐平山輔英 （手記）

躊躇なく決心せよ

唯一途、忠良の臣民たれ

一面満州事変より支那事変となるに及び朝鮮人の愛国の至誠が認められ、朝鮮に於ける徴兵制度実施の前提として特別志願兵制度が実施せられ、既に幾多の志願兵が実戦に参加しているのであるが、これ等特別志願兵がよく皇軍の一員としてその真価を発揮し純粋大和民族と同等遜色がなきのみならず大東亜戦争に及び逐年志願者の数も激増し、朝鮮人全体の愛国の熱も最高調に達していることを認められたので、我等朝鮮人の多年の宿望たる朝鮮に於ける徴兵制度実施に関する法令が大東亜戦争の真最中に発布せられて、明年度より実施の段取りとなって居り、続いて義務教育の実施も明後昭和二十一年度に控えるようになったのである。

之を韓国併合当時から、極めて最近までの内鮮関係に較べて見ると朝鮮に取っては急速なる一大変革であって内鮮一体の基礎は既に確立されていると確信せねばならぬ。無事太平の時にはやれ義務教育を実施してくれ、徴兵制度を布いてくれ、やれ参政権を与えてくれなどと得手勝手な熱を吹いて居りながら、いざ国家の危急存亡の一大危局に直面すると何の彼のと屁理屈を言い出して、自己の責任を遁れようとしている。こんなことで果して現在及び将来の朝鮮人が人生として生き抜くことが出来るであろうか。

今日の大東亜戦争は三百年来の宿敵米英との大東亜全民族の身命を賭しての一大決戦だ。大東亜十億の民族は理屈抜きに心血を注いで闘っているのだ。独り朝鮮人のみが恬然として安閑として傍観的態度を取っていられようか。此の一戦に於いて若しも帝国が負けたならば、大東亜十億の民族が滅亡するのである。独り朝鮮人のみが繁栄し得るものと信じていられるであろうか。

今日の情勢は大東亜圏内に於ける民族である限り、その處と事情との如何に拘わらず、凡ての感情、凡ての個人的利害関係を超越し、凡ての理屈を抜きにして老いも若きも女も男も蹶然起ち一致団結して米英撃滅の為に身魂を注いで闘い抜くべき秋である。今回発布せられた特別志願兵臨時採用規則に就いても動もすれば屁理屈を言い度がるものが相当にあるのを見るのは誠に慨嘆に堪えないことであって、少くも私自身が此の朝鮮に生れたことが恥ずかしくて堪えられないのだ。何という情けない状態であろう。

現代の朝鮮人わけても適格者たる学徒並びにその父母兄弟姉妹にして真に憂国の真情に燃え、現時局を深く認識し真に一身一家を思い、朝鮮の恥を知り、日本人としての使命に目覚めて居るとしたら、法令に関する当局の講話の内容がどうあろうと、自由志願の形式であろうと強制であろうと、幹部要員ではなく唯の一兵であろうと、そんな些末なことに頓着することなく、先を争って軍門に投ずべきではないか。

況や今回の特別志願兵の臨時採用が朝鮮のためには画期的一大恩典であって朝鮮の将来に絶対なる光明と希望とが与えられているに於いておやである。お互いによくよく反省して見ようではないか。今の大東亜戦争に於いて皇軍は一体どの位動いていると思うのか。占領地域のみを以て考えて見ても幾百万という数に上っていることは常識として想像着くことであろう。その大兵を動かして居りながら、人的資源は未だ未だ十二分に余裕のあることは、平時と同様満二十歳の壮丁に限り兵役に服している現実から考えて見ても明らかではないか。

そのような実情に於いて朝鮮学徒の五千や六千を駆り立てて見た所で何の足しになろう。大兵を動かすのには大量の幹部を必要とすることは常識だ。内地人専門学校以上の学徒はその幹部要員として入営するのだ。今まで机を並べて学んで居った朝鮮学徒が取り残されることは是こそ朝鮮人侮辱であり内鮮差別ではないか。而も明年度に徴兵実施を控えている専門学校以上の学徒並びにその学徒を出したる家庭と言わば例外は別としてその大部分が朝鮮に於ける有識階級であり、指導階級にあるのだ。

それらのものが陸軍の幹部となることに依って明年度徴兵実施に伴い入営する幾万の兵の楔となり内鮮一体の実を急速に成し遂げ得るのみならず、是れ等中堅層のものが軍隊教育を受くることに依ってのみ真に日本精神を把握し将来の朝鮮を背負って起ち得るところの重大なる責任があるのだ。

大東亜戦争の勝敗は既にきまって居る。絶対不敗の鉄壁の戦略態勢が完成されているのだ。米英が如何に藻掻いても此の大勢を挽回することは絶対に出来ない。伊太利がどうなろうとソビエトロシアが立向かって来ようと、そんなことは大東亜戦争の勝敗に何等の影響もない。勝利は正に此方のものだ。

必勝の信念は牢固であるのだ。帝国が戦勝の暁に於いて今日の態度を取った朝鮮人がどの面下げてものを言わんとするのか。恐らく大東亜圏内に於いては足を容るる場所もないであろう。それかと言って今更米、英に走ることが出来ようか。朝鮮を滅亡に導くものは、常に朝鮮人自体であることに気付かなければならぬ。

そればかりではない。一人でも志願に漏れたものが侮った場合諸君の後輩が恬然として内地学徒と机を並べて勉学が出来ると思うのであろうか。又斯くの如き非国民の朝鮮人に専門学校程度以上の高等教育の必要があると思うのであろうか。志願を渋るものの内には種々な込み入った理由を持って居る。それらの理由には反面の真理を認めぬこともない。然し今日の朝鮮人が真に時局に目醒め喜んで身命を皇国の為めに献ぐるに於いては当然の帰結として間もなく解決の出来る問題であろう。又斯くまで皇国臣民としての忠誠を献げて尚且つ解決が着かなかったら、その時こそ堂々と要求し得ることではないか。

何れにしても朝鮮を生かすものは朝鮮人自らの手にあるのだ。朝鮮人の進むべき道は朝鮮人自らが拓くべきではないか。自分が斯くの如く絶叫する所以のものは、何も軍部の依頼を受けたのでもなければ、将亦当局に買収されたのでもない。唯唯皇民の一人でありわけても朝鮮人の一人として此の状態を見ては安閑として居られないからに過ぎないのだ。自分は生を朝鮮に享け朝鮮の事情を能く知っているものの一人として志願の意志を容易に表明しないものの心理を倶さに解剖してみると、色々な屁理屈は志願を遁れんとする口実に過ぎないということを断言して憚らないのだ。

由来朝鮮には甚だ誤れる家庭的執着心が濃厚にある。丙子の胡乱と言えば、現代の青年は別として少しくも年取った人は皆知っていることと思う。今を距る三百八年前に於ける朝鮮の大事変である。清兵が朝鮮に侵入して王様は顕官重臣を引連れて後塵し南漢城に立て籠もって清兵のために取り囲まるること四十五日、朝鮮のためには危急存亡の一大危機に直面して居ったのだ。

斯くの如き国家の大事に当って真剣に此の難局を打開せんとするものは一人も居らなかった。甲論乙駁徒らに各々自己の説を固持し口論のみを以て終始した。都承旨鄭廣敬の如きは、老父避難の地が清兵の難に罹ったと聞いて『方寸錯乱、神魂已に散じ、職責を尽くす能わず』と称して辞表を提出して帰った。副校理尹集は和平論者を叩き斬ろうとまで敦圉いた程の極端なる主戦論者であったに拘わらず、祖父妻子兄弟の避難地南陽に賊軍が侵入したと聞いて是又『心神喪失、視聴迷錯、正気を失えるが如く、任務に堪えない』と言って解職を請うて退去してしまった。

極端なのは当時の総理大臣で参謀総長の職を兼ねて居った金瑬はどうであったか。王妃は江華島に避難し、主君は戦備の薄いのに憂慮し、戦費や兵糧に日夜苦慮せるに拘わらず、瑬の私邸は官軍を以て警護し、その妻は駕轎に乗って往来し、その財は七十駄に及んで居ったというのである。一国の宰相が斯くの如くである。自己あって主君なく、家あって国家なしの態度である。国辱も名誉もあったものではないではないか。

朝鮮人が皆が皆そうとは思って居らぬ、又我々朝鮮人の魂がもとからそうだとは考えない。歴史が証明している通り我々朝鮮人にも義憤が躍動して居り大義に生きんとするの魂が潜在しているのだ。然しながら永年の文弱生活は遂に国家を忘れ利己に走るの卑屈なる精神を生み今日に流れて来て居るのだ。現代の朝鮮の親は余りに子に頼り過ぎる通弊がある。親として子に望む所以のものは、自己の系統を永遠無窮に継続するにある。永遠無窮に継続するの意味は子孫が繁栄して系統を絶やさないことのみを意味するばかりでなく、家門の名誉を辱めないことをも当然含まなければならぬ。

然るに今日の朝鮮の父祖は老いて子孫に頼り度い気持ちが一杯だ。子や孫は花のように観賞物のように何時迄も自分の膝下に置いて置かねば承知しないのだ。何か男らしい仕事でもしようとすると直に差し止めて消極退嬰に導くのだ。一体親が子を設けて老後に於いてその子の厄介になろう、面倒を見て貰おうという親の心理が解せぬではないか。誠に意気地のない、唾棄すべき無気力な笑うべきことである。父祖や両親は何時までも生きていられるものではない。自己の子孫の生命は永い。世の親は利己的な悪を棄てて我が子の将来の繁栄を祈念するを以て満足すべきではないか。

殊に昔のような封建時代なら兎も角も現代の如き世界を舞台に活躍しつつある時勢に於いて猫の額のような朝鮮に於いて何をなそうとするのだ。親が子を腰巾着にしようとする愛情は犬や猫にだって濃厚にある。人間は斯くの如き動物愛に溺れてはならぬ筈だ。子供が親に孝養を尽くすということは義務でもなければ法律でもない。天理に基づく道徳だ。親の要求がなくても心から湧いて出なければならぬ。親孝行は人類道徳の根本である。然し親の腰巾着になって居ることばかりが親孝行ではない。

現代の若き青年よ、旧態を一新せよ！諸君の活舞台は広く広く開かれているのだ。陋習を打破し堅き決心を以て親を老祖父母を説きふせて勇躍千歳一遇の舞台に登れ。この興廃は諸君の双肩に懸っているのだ。

或るものは徴用されても志願はしないと言ったそうだが、何という卑屈な賎むべき慎むべき根性であろう。自己の生命さえ安全であれば、踏まれても、蹴られても犬になっても猫になっても好いというのか。徴用という意味を御存じないのだ。徴用されて必ずしも朝鮮や内地のみで働かされるとは限らない。内地や朝鮮の如き貧弱なる資源を持っている所で、何の徴用が必要であろう。徴用されても必然的に第一戦に往って勇敢なる兵士と共に働くのだ。矢張り戦場へ行くのだ。一方は剣や銃を執って闘い、一方はスコップやハンマや、鶴嘴を執って闘うだけの差なのだ。矢張り敵の空襲を受けることも覚悟せねばならぬ。敵の砲弾の洗礼も受けなければならぬ。何時戦死するか判らぬ立派なる帝国軍人として戦死するのと徴用人として戦死するのと何方が名誉だ。朝鮮の学徒に一人の徴用者が出たとしたら、それこそ朝鮮人の面目は丸潰れだ。

人間は信念に生きる生物である。信念のある所に努力が生じ、希望が湧き、安心が伴い、歓喜があるのだ。我々の生きる道は忠良なる日本臣民として身命を君国に献げて御奉公申し上ぐるにあるのみなのだ。この信念を堅持せねばならぬ。絶対無条件である。期日は眼前に差し迫っている。速やかに躊躇なく決心しようではないか。

Source: https://archive.org/details/kjnp-1943-11-18/page/n2/mode/1up