Nazi German delegation concluded Korea visit with tour of army boot camp and final luncheon before departing for Manchuria (May 12, 1939)

I am documenting the last portion of the newspaper coverage of a high-profile world tour by a Nazi German newspaper delegation which visited Korea (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Seoul) on May 11-12, 1939 after visiting mainland Japan for about two weeks. There were about 13 members led by Richard Foerster (1879-1952), who served as a leader in German-Japanese diplomacy after retiring from active naval service. Accompanying him was Peter Winkelnkemper (1902-1944), a prominent Nazi journalist who was editor-in-chief of Cologne Nazi newspaper Westdeutscher Beobachter. This series of articles covers their last day in Korea on May 12th, 1939.

"Members of the newspaper delegation reviewing the trainees at the Volunteer Training Center"

"A toast with the delegation at the luncheon at the Governor-General’s official residence"

On May 12th, the delegation visited a training center for new army recruits and an elementary school. They then attended a traditional Korean court music reception and an opulent luncheon reception at the Governor-General's residence. They departed for Changchun (then named Shinkyō or Xinjing) in Manchukuo by train at 3:20 p.m. They were later joined in Changchun by the German ambassador and his delegation flying in from Tokyo with a fueling stop in Chongjin, Korea.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) May 13, 1939

Under the Bright Fresh Green of Spring, the German Delegation Parts Regretfully Today
Sent Off with Cries of “Banzai” on Their Way to Visit Manchukuo

The thirteen members of the German newspaper delegation, who had arrived in Seoul on the Akatsuki at 1:35 p.m. on May 11th and completed the first day’s schedule, spent the night at the Chōsen Hotel. On the morning of May 12th at 9:40, they visited the Volunteer Training Center at Gongdeok-ri (공덕리) outside Seoul, where they praised the spirited vigor of the two hundred trainees, burning with enthusiasm for the cause of Asia’s revival. At 11:00 a.m. they visited Kyodong Elementary School, smiling at the Korean boys and girls whose health rivaled the fresh young leaves, as they performed wooden-sword exercises and danced to the "Patriotic March". At 11:35 a.m. they visited the Court Music Division of the Office of the Yi Royal Household and listened to the secret sounds of ancient Korean court music, sending down bursts of applause like a sudden hailstorm at the end of each piece filled with the beautiful sounds of this national treasure. At noon, they attended a luncheon hosted by Director of Political Affairs Ōno at the Governor-General’s official residence at Waeseongdae (왜성대, 倭城臺).

After returning to the hotel at 2:15 p.m. and taking a short rest, they left Seoul Station at 3:20 p.m. on the Nozomi, carrying with them as a souvenir their reassuring impression of the Korean peninsula, and, once again sent off by the flags of Japan and Germany and cries of “Banzai,” set out on the final leg of their journey: an inspection tour of the newly rising state of Manchukuo.

Their Only Reaction Was Admiration at the Discipline
First, They Inspected the Training Center

The German newspaper delegation from allied Germany, which had entered Seoul on May 11th amid a storm of cheers and waves of Japanese and German flags across the Korean peninsula, marveled at the promising appearance of the rapidly advancing peninsula. They spent the night in pleasant dreams at the Chōsen Hotel, and on the second day of their itinerary, the morning of May 12th at 9:00, they drove by automobile to the Volunteer Training Center at Gongdeok-ri (공덕리) outside Seoul.

In city's outskirts, they admired the scenery amid the fragrant winds of May. As they repeatedly uttered “Korea is a beautiful place,” they arrived at the training center at 9:40 a.m. There, they were welcomed by Colonel Kaida, who had been eagerly awaiting them, and by more than two hundred trainees filled with the spirit of Asia’s revival. They first took a short rest in the assembly hall.

After receiving words of welcome from Colonel Kaida, delegation head Richard Foerster said:

“We are greatly pleased to have visited this Volunteer Training Center today. Seeing the fresh expressions and sincere attitude of these young men, I earnestly hope that in the future they will be trained up as Imperial soldiers and will devote themselves loyally to repaying the nation for the sake of the Sovereign Emperor.”

He then watched the trainees’ lively group calisthenics in the front yard of the center. Next, while all the students stood in precise formation and dignified bearing, Foerster, together with Colonel Kaida, reviewed the ranks. Thereafter, escorted by Colonel Kaida and the students, the German press delegation once again boarded their automobile and headed for Kyodong Elementary School.

“We Will Bring This Strong Friendship Back, as a Souvenir for the Führer”
At the Luncheon Venue

After completing their inspections, the German newspaper delegation attended the luncheon at the Governor-General’s official residence at noon. In response to the welcoming remarks of Director of Political Affairs Ōno, delegation head Foerster said:

“What struck us most strongly as we traveled throughout Japan was the sight of the entire nation, in this time of emergency, working vigorously in unity and solidarity.”

Then Peter Winkelnkemper, vice head of the delegation, rose and declared forcefully:

“German National Socialism, while struggling against the other powers over the past several years, has built up the new Germany of today. It was the united solidarity of the German people, pressing forward together under the swastika flag that symbolizes the sun, that in the end created today’s Germany.

Now we have joined hands with Italian Fascism and are once again struggling against the other powers. At this time, when the democratic countries are exposing their weakness and Bolshevism is displaying its incapacity and impotence, Japan, Germany, and Italy are joining hands for the advancement of justice and the eternal establishment of world peace. If there are any who seek to destroy this strong anti-Communist route, then we shall without hesitation take up arms and rise against them.

Here, at this final gathering in Korea, we express our heartfelt gratitude. And when we return home, it will be our greatest pleasure to convey to Führer Hitler and to the entire German people this friendship from Japan and its great national strength.”

The party then spent a cordial hour at luncheon.

Lieutenant General Kobayashi Leaves Seoul

Lieutenant General Kobayashi Sōnosuke, commander of the Jinhae (진해, 鎭海) Naval Port District, had purposely come into Seoul on May 11th in order to greet his old naval friend, delegation head Foerster of the visiting German newspaper delegation. At the luncheon at the Governor-General’s residence on May 12th, he exchanged an emotional handshake with Foerster for the first time in two years, then departed Seoul Station at 2:10 p.m. on the Nozomi to return to his post.

"Western Clothes Do Not Fit the Character of Japanese Women"
Japan Through the Eyes of a Young Nazi

Among the members of the German newspaper delegation who arrived in Seoul on May 11th was Karl Turk, a twenty-eight-year-old who appeared to be perhaps the youngest member of the group. The following is a question-and-answer exchange on how Japan’s women, clothing, and natural scenery appeared to the eyes of this young Nazi:

Q: “What do you think of Japanese women’s clothing?”
Herr Turk: “Japanese dress suits Japanese women better than Western dress after all. Western clothes do not seem to fit the character of Japanese women quite naturally.”

Q: “How does life as a journalist in Nazi Germany compare with that in Japan?”
Herr Turk: “I studied law for four years at Bonn and Cologne University before beginning my career as a journalist, and I have spent twelve years in the Nazi Party, but I do not think journalistic life differs very much anywhere in the world.”

Q: “What about customs and other such matters?”
Herr Turk: “There are very great differences, and they are very noticeable. But if Japan wished to follow Europe and America, I do not think it would be unable to do so. For example, we stayed at the Imperial Hotel, and there is no aspect in which that hotel differs from those of Europe.”

Q: “Are geisha beautiful?”
Herr Turk: “Foreigners probably might find it difficult to understand.”

Q: “What do you think of Japan’s natural scenery?”
Herr Turk: “On the whole it is volcanic, and the scenery is even more charming than I had imagined. So I say with confidence that if Japan’s natural scenery were introduced in Germany through a good tourist bureau, it would certainly make money.”

… and in the end the conversation drifted all the way into an international business proposition.

Farewell to the Imperial Capital
Baron Gablenz’s Plane Leaves for Xinjing This Morning

[Telephone report from Tokyo] The friendly German aircraft of allied Germany, the Gablenz plane, which had arrived on May 4th, departed Haneda Airfield at 6:49 a.m. on May 12th and, flying in formation with the guide plane Heinkel aircraft Nogi from Imperial Japanese Airways, headed for Xinjing by way of the Sea of Japan.

Early that morning, while it was still dim, Baron Carl August Freiherr von Gablenz and his party left the Imperial Hotel and appeared at Haneda Airfield, concerned about the weather. Studying the weather charts and seeing that conditions over the Sea of Japan side would first of all pose no major problem, they settled on flying and began final inspection of their beloved aircraft. By around 6:00 a.m., German Ambassador Eugen Ott and his wife, Director-General Fujiwara of the Aviation Bureau, Germans residing in Tokyo, and other people seeing them off came one after another to the airfield, all anxiously watching the sky. After the aircraft inspection was completed, Baron Gablenz and his party joined them in a banquet room set up inside the First Hangar, where all toasted the journey with beer and celebrated the party’s departure.

This time, in addition to the original four members of the party, five others boarded as well, including the assistant air attaché at the embassy, Mr. Dietersdorf, making a lively total of nine aboard.

As those seeing them off waved German flags in their hands, the aircraft began its leisurely takeoff run. Undeterred by an 8-meter-per-second wind, it lifted beautifully into the air at 6:49 a.m., its huge gray-silver body floating into the dawn sky. After circling once above the airfield, it formed up with the Nogi, piloted by aviator Okano, which had taken off earlier, bid farewell to the Imperial capital, and disappeared northwestward into the sky.

Baron’s Plane Makes an Unscheduled Landing

Telegram received by the Communications Bureau: The Gablenz aircraft made an unscheduled landing at Chongjin airfield at 12:34 p.m. in order to refuel. After taking on gasoline, it departed the same airfield at 1:10 p.m. and continued on toward Xinjing.

[Top photo] Members of the newspaper delegation reviewing the trainees at the Volunteer Training Center
[Bottom photo] A toast with the delegation at the luncheon at the Governor-General’s official residence

[Transcription]

京城日報 1939年5月13日

若緑かがやくきょう別れを惜む使節団
万歳に送られて訪満の途に

十一日午後一時三十五分『あかつき』で入城第一日の日程を終ったドイツ新聞使節団一行十三名は、一夜を朝鮮ホテルに明かし、十二日午前九時四十分京城府外孔徳里に志願兵訓練所を訪れ、興亜の意気に燃える溌剌たる二百名の訓練所生に讃嘆。同十一時校洞小学校を訪問。健康を若葉と競う半島少年少女の木剣体操や愛国行進曲舞踊にほほえみ、同十一時三十五分李王職雅楽部に朝鮮古代の秘音雅楽に耳を傾け、この国宝的美音の一曲終了毎に急霰の如き拍手を送って正午倭城台総督官邸に於ける大野政務総監の午餐会に臨んだ。

午後二時十五分ホテルに帰還小憩ののち、同三時二十分京城駅発『のぞみ』で頼もしい半島の印象を土産に再び日独両国旗と万歳の声に送られて最後のコース新興満州国視察の途についた。

整然に唯讃嘆
先ず訓練所を見学

十一日、日独両国旗の波と半島をあげての歓呼の嵐に迎えられて入城した盟邦ドイツ新聞使節団一行は躍進半島の頼母しい姿に感嘆。第一日の楽しい夢を朝鮮ホテルに結んだが、日程第二日の十二日午前九時、一行は京城府外孔徳里の志願兵訓練所に自動車を駆った。

五月の薫風にはえる郊外の景色に『朝鮮は美しいところだ』と連発しながら九時四十分訓練所に着けば、『ようこそ』と一行を待ちかねていた海田大佐に導かれ、興亜の意気に漲る二百余名の訓練所生に迎えられて一先ず講堂で小憩。

海田大佐から歓迎の辞を受けフェ団長は『本日この志願兵訓練所を訪れたことを大いに喜んでいます。青年の新鮮な表情と真摯な態度を見て将来彼等が帝国軍人に養成され、大君のため尽忠報国の誠を尽されんことを熱望しております』と述べ次いで訓練所の前庭で溌剌たる生徒の国民体操を観、続いて全生徒が隊伍整然威儀を正す中をフェ団長は海田大佐と共に閲兵、かくて独逸記者団は海田大佐、生徒等の見送りを受けつつ再び自動車を連ねて校洞小学校に向った。

この友誼を力を
総統のお土産に
午餐会場場裡に

視察を終えた独逸新聞使節団一行は正午総督官邸の午餐会に臨んだ。大野政務総監の歓迎の辞に対してフェ団長から『日本各地を視て強く感じた事は非常時局にあって全国民が、一致団結溌剌と働いている姿に心打たれた』と述べ、続いて副団長ウィンケルケムパー氏が立ち『独逸国民社会主義は過去数年間に亘り列国と闘い乍ら現在の新興ドイツを築き上げた。独逸国民が一致団結し太陽をシムボライズしたハーケンクロイツの旗の下に力を合して邁進した事が結局今日のドイツを造ったのだ。今吾等はイタリーのファシズムと手を握り再び列国と闘っている。民主主義国はその弱体をさらし、ヴォルシュヴィズムは無能無力を発揮している今日日、獨、伊が正義の発揚と世界平和永遠の確立のために握手しているが、若しもこの強靭な防共ルートを破壊せんとする者があるならば吾等は断じて武器を執って立つであろう。朝鮮に於ける最後のこの席上で心から感謝の意を表すると共に、吾等が帰国した上はこの日本の友誼とその偉大な国力をヒトラー総統を初め全独逸国民にお伝えすることを無上の喜びとするものである』と強く述べ、和やかな午餐の一時を過した。

小林中将退城

なつかしい海の友訪日ドイツ新聞使節団のフェ団長を迎えるべくわざわざ十一日入城した鎮海要港部司令官小林宗之助中将は十二日総督官邸の午餐会席上二年振りでフェ団長と感激の握手をなしたのち同午後二時十分京城駅発のぞみで帰任した。

性格にあわぬ
日本婦人の洋装
若きナチの眼が見た日本は

十一日入城のドイツ新聞使節団員カールツルクは二十八歳で、一行中恐らく最年少者と思われる青年である。若きナチの目に映じた日本の女性、服装、自然等についての一問一答：

『日本婦人の服装は？』

ツルク氏：『日本婦人には矢張り洋装よりも日本服がテブリが好い。洋装は日本婦人の性格にシックリ合い難い様だ』

『ナチ独逸の記者生活と、日本のそれとは？』

ツルク氏：『私はボン・ケルン大学で四年法律を勉強して記者生活を始め、十二年間ナチ党生活をしているが、記者生活は世界を通じて異りはあるまい』

『風俗その他に就いては？』

ツルク氏：『非常に大きな相違があるので非常に眼につく。然し日本が若し欧米に追従しようと思えばついてゆけないことはないと思う。例えば私達は帝国ホテルに泊ったが、同ホテル等はもはやヨーロッパのそれと何等異るところがない』

『芸者は美しいか？』

ツルク氏：『外人には了解し難いだろう』

『日本の自然は？』

ツルク氏：『一体に火山的で、その景色は想像していた以上にチャーミングである。そこで私は確信を以って云うが独逸で良いツーリストビューローを通じて日本の自然を紹介すれば必ず儲かると思う』．．．話はとうとう国際的な儲け話におちて了った。

帝都にさよなら
男爵機けさ新京へ

【東京電話】去る四日来朝した盟邦ドイツ親善機ガブレンツ機は、十二日午前六時四十九分羽田飛行場出発、案内役の日航ハインケル乃木号と雁行し、一路裏日本を経由して新京に向った。

この朝まだ薄暗い裡に宿帝国ホテルを出たガブレンツ男一行は天候を案じつつ羽田飛行場に現れた。気象図を手にして裏日本は先ず飛行に差支えないと見て愈々飛行ときまり愛機の点検を始める。六時ごろに早くもオットー独逸大使夫妻、藤原航空局長その他在京ドイツ人を初め見送りの人々が何れも天を候案じながら続々飛行場に駈けつけ、愛機の点検を終ったガブレンツ男一行と共に第一格柄納庫内に設けられた宴会場で一同ビールで乾盃し、一行の壮途を祝う愈々出発。今度は一行四人の外に大使官武官補テーターストルフ氏等五人が乗り込み合計九人の賑やかさだ。

見送りの人々が手に手にドイツ国旗を振る裡に悠々滑走を開始。八米の風速を物ともせず六時四十九分見事に離陸、灰銀色の巨体をふわりと暁の空に浮かべ飛行場上空を一廻りした後、さきに離陸した岡野飛行士操縦の乃木号に雁行、帝都に『さよなら』して一路西北の空に姿を没した。

男爵機不時着

逓信局入電＝ガブレンツ機は途中燃料補給のため清津飛行場に午後零時三十四分不時着ガソリン補給の上同一時十分同飛行場発一路新京に向った。

【上】志願兵訓練所生を閲兵する新聞使節団一行

【下】総督官邸での午餐会に臨んだ一行との乾杯

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• In May 1939, a Nazi German newspaper delegation toured colonial Korea and was welcomed in Seoul with swastika flags, shrine visits, and official receptions (link)
• ‘Hitler’s right-hand man’ Richard Foerster and Nazi editor Peter Winkelnkemper enjoy Korean cuisine and kisaeng entertainment at a Seoul press banquet, May 11, 1939 (link)
• Nazi leader Richard Foerster passionately preached Hitler’s teachings to Korean schoolchildren and gifted them signed photos of Hitler as they gave him a “Heil Hitler” salute on a train to Seoul (May 11, 1939) (link)
• May 1939: Nazi German Newspaper Delegation Visits Imperial Army Headquarters in Colonial Seoul (link)

May 1939: Nazi German Newspaper Delegation Visits Imperial Army Headquarters in Colonial Seoul

I am continuing to document the newspaper coverage of a high-profile world tour by a Nazi German newspaper delegation which visited Korea (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Seoul) on May 11-12, 1939 after visiting mainland Japan for about two weeks. There were about 13 members led by Richard Foerster (1879-1952), who served as a leader in German-Japanese diplomacy after retiring from active naval service. Accompanying him was Peter Winkelnkemper (1902-1944), a prominent Nazi journalist who was editor-in-chief of Cologne Nazi newspaper Westdeutscher Beobachter.

This article covers the afternoon of their first day in Korea, May 11. After paying their respects at Changdeok Palace, the delegation met General Nakamura, commander of the Imperial Army in Korea. Nakamura thanked them for their “accurate and rapid” reporting on the Battle of Lake Khasan and for presenting Japan’s position to the world.

Later that evening at the Chōsen Hotel, they held a press conference denying any possibility of Soviet-German cooperation. That is especially striking in retrospect, since the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact would be signed only a few months later, in August 1939.

Taken together, this material suggests that the delegation was more than a purely cultural mission. Whatever the official description, the visit clearly had a substantial political and ideological dimension.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) May 12, 1939

Meeting with Army General Nakamura
Firm Handshakes Exchanged
German Newspaper Delegation Visits Army Headquarters

After leaving the Government-General Building, the German newspaper delegation from allied Germany paid a formal call and signed the register at Changdeok Palace at 2:50 p.m. on May 11th. Then, under the guidance of Shinoda, head of the Office of the Yi Royal Household, they viewed Injeongjeon Hall. Showing no sign of fatigue from the journey, they then went on, at 3:25 p.m., to visit General Nakamura, commander of the Japanese-Korean Army, whose command was described as placing the Korean peninsula’s national defense and anti-Communist line — the logistics base of the war effort — on an immovable footing.

On this day, General Nakamura, accompanied by Chief of Staff Kitano, Director of the Press Department Katsuo, and other staff officers, had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this newspaper delegation from the allied nation in the reception room of his official residence, set amid greenery washed fresh by the rain. Welcoming the party into the reception room with the words, “Welcome,” the general shook hands with each member in turn, unable to conceal the joy that showed across his stern face.

“The visit of friends from our allied nation is a great honor to me. And today, despite the rain and despite your fatigue from such a long journey, I thank you sincerely for coming.”

To these words from the general, delegation head Richard Foerster replied:

“On behalf of the entire party, I pray for Your Excellency’s good health.”

With that, he raised his right hand sharply in greeting, and the group then sat around a table and entered into cordial conversation.

When General Nakamura looked back on the recent anti-Communist holy war and said,

“I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the German journalists’ accurate and rapid reporting on the Changkufeng Incident. I thank you deeply for having conveyed Japan’s rightful position to the world.”

Delegation head Foerster answered, his expression showing his pledge to the anti-Communist cause: “Our respect and friendship for your country are not material things. They come from the heart… from the heart.”

After further praise for the bravery of Imperial soldiers in the holy war, the conversation ended after only a little more than ten minutes. Yet the members of the party felt that something binding them together had been firmly strengthened. Regretfully taking their leave, and escorted out by the general, who stood at the entrance with his staff officers, they departed the residence — the rain having just stopped, the surrounding greenery now fresh and clear — and headed for the Chōsen Hotel.

Questions and Answers with the Delegation Representative

The German newspaper delegation, having arrived in the capital, met with reporters at their lodgings, the Chōsen Hotel, at 6:00 p.m. on May 11th. Peter Winkelnkemper, effectively the vice head of the delegation and editor-in-chief of the Westdeutscher Beobachter, responded as follows regarding Germany’s firm posture toward the tense political situation in Europe.

Question: What is the political spirit of Germany today?
Answer: Germany’s political spirit today may be summed up entirely in National Socialism, that is, the Nazi spirit, and in the complete unity of the whole people. Prior to Nazi governance, differences of religion, political party, and federal structure had divided the national spirit, but now complete national unity has been realized. The institution that carries the greatest weight in maintaining this unity is the Nazi Party. The Party is the center of political spirit.

Question: What is the resolve of the German people in the face of the present tense situation?
Answer: The unshakable resolve of the German people in dealing with the strained situation in Europe is simply this: to follow the leadership of the Führer. That is all. The Führer does not issue commands; he leads. Britain and France preserve an internal order that is already corrupted and incapable of responding to this present age. If Germany must inevitably come into conflict with them, then that too is a fate that cannot be avoided. But Germany does not seek conflict. Germany, Italy, and Spain are firmly united, and the Balkans are by no means as the democratic countries imagine. The criticism by Britain and France over the settlement of the Czech problem is unfounded. Germany fears no one. But it does not desire disturbance of the peace.

Question: How do you foresee the course of the European situation?
Answer: Germany’s future position lies in strengthening cooperation among Germany, Italy, and Spain, and in saving Europe from the calamity of Bolshevism. These three countries are the guardians of world culture, and they are defending Europe from the violence of communism, which destroys everything for the sake of ideology. Countries that seek to use Bolshevism for their own advantage speak ill of Germany, Italy, and Spain, but we pay them no mind. The democratic countries are attempting to unite with communist states to oppose us. Germany, as the defender of culture, must first become strong. Germany will yield to no one.

Question: Recently there have been reports of a German-Soviet rapprochement. Is there any basis for this?
Answer: For Germany to join hands with the Soviet Union would be more difficult than mixing water and fire. Such a thing will absolutely not happen. The Soviet Union, which would kill tens of thousands for the sake of ideology, and Nazi Germany are fundamentally as incompatible as fire and water.

Question: What is the relationship between the Nazi spirit and the newspaper press?
Answer: The German press today is completely different in its structure from what it was before Nazism. Newspapers are not controlled by political parties or interest groups; their highest duty is service to the people. Becoming the puppet of any one faction is forbidden by the Editors’ Law. Editors (Schriftleiter) bear heavy responsibilities. Newspapers are not controlled from the outside, but internally they are structured so as to accord with the Nazi spirit. They are permeated throughout by the Nazi spirit.

Finally, when asked about expectations for the upcoming visit to Manchukuo, he said:

“Germany’s attitude toward Manchukuo is exactly as shown in the Anti-Comintern Pact, and it is necessary that cooperation be strengthened still further from here on. As journalists in particular, we are eager to inspect the true political and economic conditions in Manchukuo, and we greatly look forward to going there.”

Photo: The German newspaper delegation meeting with Army General Nakamura

Enchanted by Court Music and Ancient Korean Art
Vice Head Winkelnkemper Speaks

Mr. Peter Winkelnkemper, vice head of the German delegation, is editor-in-chief of the Westdeutscher Beobachter and appears to be a fine young man of about thirty-five or thirty-six. Since the members of the delegation are not only newspaper journalists but also members of the German Storm Troopers, it is only natural, one might say, that they should be unmatched in elite quality. Smiling, Winkelnkemper said:

“The appearance of Korea in the rain-mist is beautiful. I have long had a great longing to hear court music and to see ancient Korean art. I have not yet encountered either directly, but through reading I have long been very familiar with both. So far as time permits, I hope to turn these long-held dreams into reality.”

[Transcription]

京城日報 1939年5月12日

中村軍司令官と会見
固き握手を交わす
獨新聞使節団軍司令部訪問

総督府を辞した盟邦ドイツ新聞使節団一行は十一日午後二時五十分昌徳宮に伺候署名ののち篠田李王職長官の案内にて仁政殿を拝観し旅の疲れもみせず愈々兵站基地半島の国防防共陣を泰山の安きに置く中村朝鮮軍司令官を同三時二十五分官邸に訪問した。この日中村大将は北野参謀長、勝尾報道部長以下幕僚を随え雨に洗われた緑に囲まるる官邸応接間でこの盟邦の新聞使節団一行を心からお待ち兼ねであった。『ようこそ』一行を応接間に招じた大将は一々握手を交わしつつさすがに包み切れぬ喜びが謹厳な顔にあふれた。

『盟邦の友の御訪問は私の最も光栄とするところであります。今日はまた雨の中を長途の旅のお疲れにも拘わらず有難うございました』

との大将の言葉にフェルスター団長は、

『一行を代表して閣下の御健康を祈ります』とさっと右手を挙げて挨拶をなしたのち卓を囲んでなごやかな歓談に入った。

『張鼓峰事件のドイツ記者団の正確にして且つ迅速な報道について感謝の言葉もありません。日本の正しき立場を世界に伝えて下さったことを厚く御礼致します』と中村大将は過ぐる日の防共聖戦を回顧して感謝の辞を述ぶれば、

『われわれの御国に対する尊敬と友情は物質的なものではありません。心から．．．、心からのものです』とフェルスター団長は防共の誓を眉宇に示して答えた。聖戦におけるわが勇士の果敢さを称えること一しきり、歓談僅に十数分であったが一行は固く結ばれるものを感じつつ玄関に幕僚を随えて立つ大将の見送りのうちに名残を惜しみ折から雨も止んで緑も清らかな官邸を辞して朝鮮ホテルに向った。

使節団代表と問答

入城の独逸新聞使節一行は十一日午後六時宿舎朝鮮ホテルにおいて記者団と会見したが、副団長格のヴェストドイチュルベオバター紙の主筆ペーター・ウィンケルケンパーは刻下の欧州情勢に対処する独逸の確乎たる態度につき左の如く答えた。

問：現下独逸の政治的精神如何？

答：独逸の政治的精神はすべて国民社会主義即ちナチス精神に則って全国民の挙国一致と云うことにつきる。ナチス政権以前は宗教、政党の差異や聯邦制のため国民精神に分離があったが今では完全な挙国一致が実現している。この挙国一致の機関として重きをなしているのがナチス党である。党が政治精神の中枢である。

問：緊迫せる情勢に対して独逸国民の覚悟如何？

答：逼迫した欧州の現状に処する独逸国民の動かざる覚悟はただ総統の指導する処に従う、ただそれだけである。総統は命令せず指導するのだ。英仏は内部的に既に腐敗した時代に即応し得ない秩序を保っているが、これと独逸が衝突せざるを得ないとすれば、それも運命として避け難いところだ。然し独逸は衝突を求むるものではない。獨、伊、西は固く相結んで居りバルカンも民主主義諸国の考えている如きものでは決してない。チェッコ問題の解決も英仏の非難は当らない。独逸は何者をも恐れない。しかし平和の攪乱は好まない。

問：欧州情勢の見透如何？

答：独逸今後の立場は獨、伊、西の提携を強化、欧州をボルセヴィズムの災禍から救うに在る。この三国は世界の文化を守護するもので主義のために凡ゆるものを破壊する共産主義に対抗其暴威から欧州を防衛するものだ。ボルセヴィズムを利用して自国の利益を図らんとする国々は獨、伊、西の悪口を云うが我々はそれを意にとめない。民主主義国は共産主義国家と合体して我等に対立しようとしている。文化の擁護者たる独逸は先ず強くならなければならぬ。独逸は何者にも負けない。

問：最近獨ソ接近説が行われているが果して根拠ありや？

答：独逸がソ聯と提携するなどと云うことは水と火を一緒にするより困難なことだ。左様なことは絶対に無い。主義のためには幾万の人を殺しても顧ぬソ聯とナチス独逸とは徹底的に水炭相容れぬ。

問：ナチス精神と新聞の関係如何？

答：現在の独逸の新聞はナチス以前とは完全にその構成を変えた。新聞は政党や利害団体に支配されることは無く国民への奉仕を第一としている。一部の傀儡となることは編輯者法で禁ぜられている。編輯者シュリットライターは重い責任を課せられている。新聞は外部からの統制を受けないが内部的にナチス精神に則るように出来ている。ナチス精神を以て貫かれている。

最後に満州訪問に対する期待を尋ねると、

『満州に対する独逸の態度は防共協定に示された通りで、今後一層提携を強化して行くことが必要だが、我々は特に新聞人として満州の政治、経済の実相を視察したいと大いに満州行きを期待している』と語った。

写真：獨新聞使節団中村軍司令官と会見

雅楽と朝鮮古代美術に憧れ
ヴ副団長語る

ドイツ使節団副団長のペーター・ウィンケルケムパー氏はヴェストドイツチヱル・ベオパハターの主筆だが、三十五・六と思われる好青年だ。使節団員は新聞記者であると同時にドイツ突撃隊員だからその精鋭無比なのは当然だろう。ヴィンケルケムパー氏は微笑のうちに語る。

『雨に煙っている朝鮮の姿は美しい。私は雅楽を聞くのと朝鮮古代美術に非常な憧れを抱いて来た。両方とも未だ直接に接した事はないが、かねがね読書で大いに親しんでいる訳だ。暇のある限り日頃の夢を実行に移したいと思っている』

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• In May 1939, a Nazi German newspaper delegation toured colonial Korea and was welcomed in Seoul with swastika flags, shrine visits, and official receptions (link)
• ‘Hitler’s right-hand man’ Richard Foerster and Nazi editor Peter Winkelnkemper enjoy Korean cuisine and kisaeng entertainment at a Seoul press banquet, May 11, 1939 (link)
• Nazi leader Richard Foerster passionately preached Hitler’s teachings to Korean schoolchildren and gifted them signed photos of Hitler as they gave him a “Heil Hitler” salute on a train to Seoul (May 11, 1939) (link)

Nazi leader Richard Foerster passionately preached Hitler’s teachings to Korean schoolchildren and gifted them signed photos of Hitler as they gave him a “Heil Hitler” salute on a train to Seoul (May 11, 1939)

In May 1939, Imperial authorities selected 29 of the best and brightest elementary schoolchildren from across Korea and "rewarded" them with a religious field trip to Ise Grand Shrine in central Japan. On their return trip on May 11, 1939, the children were placed aboard the same train as a Nazi German press delegation traveling from Busan to Seoul. It is during this trip that prominent Nazi diplomat Richard Foerster (1879-1952) interacted with the Korean schoolchildren in a friendly question-and-answer session. They boarded the train in Busan at 6:50 a.m., and arrived in Seoul at 1:35 p.m. with brief stops in Daegu and Daejeon. The exchange was reported in the May 12, 1939 issue of Keijo Nippo, the major colonial propaganda newspaper in Korea which sponsored this field trip.

Foerster with Korean schoolchildren at Daejeon station

During this trip, Foerster is in his element as he skillfully delivers Nazi propaganda so that his messaging is tailored to his particular audience of Korean elementary schoolchildren who were brainwashed in Imperialist ideology and State Shintoism. Foerster compares German reverence for Hitler and the Nazi state to the children’s reverence for Ise Grand Shrine, praises Hitler’s teachings of “justice, conviction, and unity,” and tells the children that Germany’s youth are being trained to defeat Bolshevism, communism, and other “enemies of mankind.” Foerster grapples with one of the children in a judo match, pretends to be overpowered, and praises Japan for possessing such strong “young citizens.” The meeting concludes with a group "Heil Hitler" salute which is led by the top student in the group.

The Nazi delegation continued through a packed schedule of official visits, luncheons, receptions, and banquets in Seoul before leaving for Manchuria the following day, May 12, 1939.

Even among the 29 students, there was a pecking order, and the eight students named in the articles were apparently considered the elites in this group. It is notable that seven of the eight students named in the article hail from present-day North Korea. Among these elites, one student stands out as the top leader: Hwang Yong-gyeom, whose name appears the most times in the recorded exchanges. He is the one who has the "honor" of leading his fellow students in making a group Heil Hitler salute.

The photos show: Foerster greeting the child representatives during the brief stop at Daejeon Station around 11:03 a.m.; 13 members of the German press delegation descending the steps of Chōsen Shrine; the Korean schoolchildren’s shrine-visit group after reporting their Ise Shrine visit at Chōsen Shrine; and a higher-resolution image of Foerster from a press event during the same trip in Japan or Korea.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), May 12, 1939

The Spirit of Korean Elementary Schoolchildren Shown to the Delegation
Friendly Exchange in the Train

On May 11th, the group of elementary school representatives from throughout Korea, who were traveling to visit the Imperial Shrines and happened to be riding the Akatsuki train together with the German newspaper delegation, visited the delegation in the train in Busan and offered words of welcome filled with the love and respect of Japan’s young citizens.

The members of the delegation were delighted. Immediately, cheers and applause broke out like a storm. Delegation leader Richard Foerster tightly clasped the hand of Song Gi-taek (송기택, 宋基澤) of Sariwon Shikishima Elementary School, who had delivered the words of welcome, and with his face breaking into a broad smile, Foerster said:

“The impression I have just received is truly the first impression that our delegation has received since coming to Korea. Moreover, the impression received from these spirited and splendid second-class citizens of Korea will become one of the greatest impressions of our entire journey, and I believe that I will never forget it for the rest of my life. And toward Japan, which possesses such splendid young citizens as you, I once again express my profound respect.”

The dignified appearance of the children, small though they were, yet conscious of their responsibility as representatives, completely satisfied the delegation. Each member gripped their hands one after another with large hands, placed them on their knees, patted their heads, and repeatedly said, “Splendid, splendid!”

Thus, inside the international express train cutting through the light rain, a rare flower of Japanese-German friendship blossomed, leaving a deep and powerful impression not only on the German newspaper delegation, but also on our group of children who visited the Imperial Shrines.

In addition, as a token of gratitude to the representatives of all Korean elementary schoolchildren, the delegation leader signed a message addressed to all elementary schoolchildren, also signed two photographs of Führer Hitler, and presented them to the representative children together with a box of fruit.

The Korean Children Have a Spirit of Imperial Subjecthood Joined to the Nazi Soul
A Roundtable Exchange in the Train Between the German Newspaper Delegation and the Group of Schoolchildren
Words of Welcome Delivered on Behalf of All Korean Elementary Schoolchildren
The Delegation Is Deeply Impressed by Pure Yet Sharp Questions

On May 11th, the group of Korean elementary schoolchildren returning to Seoul on the same Akatsuki train visited the German newspaper delegation, which was also on its way to Seoul aboard the Akatsuki. After delivering words of welcome on behalf of 800,000 elementary schoolchildren throughout Korea, they gathered around Delegation Leader Foerster and held a roundtable discussion titled “Asking About Germany.”

After all, these were outstanding children selected from throughout Korea. Each question, while innocent, contained sharp observations about the developments in the world and Germany’s advance. Delegation Leader Foerster answered while exchanging glances with the assembled delegation members, not treating even a single word carelessly.

The first-rate German newspapermen, who had come from turbulent Europe and prided themselves on their strong nerves, scratched their heads and said, “This is too much for us. We are no match for them.” They focused their astonishment and interest on the children’s earnest questioning. Afterward, a splendid basket of fresh fruit was presented by the delegation leader to the children.

The following is the question-and-answer exchange.

What Are Führer Hitler’s Teachings for Young Citizens?
Justice, Conviction, and Unity

Hwang Yong-gyeom (Manwol School, Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province): We visited the Ise Grand Shrine, the sacred place of our country, and returned filled with extraordinary gratitude and great resolve. So first, there is something I would like to ask. In Germany, too, is there a sacred place like the Ise Grand Shrine, which serves as the center of the national spirit?

Foerster: Of course there is. There certainly is. In Munich now, a temple is being built that gives form to the spirit of His Excellency Führer Hitler. Just as the Grand Shrine, which you visited, receives the reverence of all of you, this is something to which the entire German people offer the same respect toward Führer Hitler and the German state. Within this spirit of reverence is contained the sound spirit of the German people, who are striving forward in the construction of Greater Germany.

The will of the German people, who fight as enemies those who obstruct Germany’s advance and seek to disturb the true peace of the world, burns forth from this feeling of reverence toward this temple that symbolizes Führer Hitler’s conviction.

Choi Seong-guk (최성국, 崔成國) (Wakatake School, Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province): We respect His Excellency Hitler in our daily lives. I sincerely think that his strong will and courage, which is not surprised by anything, are magnificent. I would like to know how Germany’s young citizens are usually taught by His Excellency the Führer.

Foerster: You have asked a fine question. I myself very much wanted to speak to you about that. His Excellency Hitler values justice, conviction, and unity. Therefore, toward the young citizens who will bear the future of Germany, he teaches that they should always unite as one and proceed toward what they believe to be right, possess a strong patriotic spirit that can advance resolutely without flinching in the slightest, and become a great people who will smash, for the sake of the world, everything that obstructs Germany’s advance, such as Bolshevism and communism.

That is just the same as how you are usually taught to become loyal and good Japanese subjects. For a growing nation, the cultivation of its second-class citizens is of great importance. A tenacious, iron-like, strong and firm will: that is the teaching constantly given by His Excellency Führer Hitler to German elementary schoolchildren. I think that this teaching may be incorporated as it is into your daily lives as well.

Now, let me ask you a question. With what state of mind do you study?

Hwang Yong-gyeom: There is something called the Imperial Subjects' Oath, and we study based on it. We are constantly filled with the conviction that we must discipline our spirit and body, possess the great resolve that we are subjects of the Great Japanese Empire, and devote our loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor.

Foerster: Yes, that must be so. Your dignified attitude is precisely something created by the spirit of that oath.

"You Spirited Boys Are the True Image of Korea"
The Delegation Leader and Hwang Yong-gyeom Hold a Judo Match

Jo Nam-cheol (조남철, 曹南喆) (Hinode School, Iri, North Jeolla Province): What did you feel when you first saw the scenery and customs of Korea?

Foerster: That is a slightly difficult question. Actually, a Korean gentleman came to me a short while ago and asked the same question. Since I had only just boarded this train and had not seen Korea at all, I answered that I had no particular impressions to offer.

But now it is different. I have spoken with you like this and received words of welcome for which I cannot thank you enough. Moreover, seeing your spirited appearance, I have received a great impression. I cannot help but feel great wonder toward the soil of Korea, which has produced such splendid elementary schoolchildren. You have truly come to show our delegation the real image of Korea. Thank you.

Oh Dae-hwan (오대환, 吳大煥) (Saiwaichō School, Haeju, Hwanghae Province): How do German elementary schoolchildren usually study?

Foerster: As I said earlier, they study throughout their lives under the teachings of Führer Hitler in order to cultivate unity, love for the fatherland, and conviction in advancing toward justice. Possessing a sound spirit and a sound body: that is the foremost duty imposed on elementary schoolchildren.

Hwang Yong-gyeom: What do they do in order to cultivate sound bodies?

Foerster: Well, they play sports. Swimming, soccer, volleyball, German swordsmanship, things like that. What do you do?

Hwang Yong-gyeom: We also play sports.

Foerster: Do you not do judo?

Song Gi-taek (송기택, 宋基澤) (Shikishima Elementary School, Sariwon, Hwanghae Province): We do judo too. We also do kendo. We do them not only to train the body, but also to train the spirit.

Foerster: You do judo… even boys like you… All right, shall we have a match?

(The delegation leader stood up and grappled with Hwang Yong-gyeom, but was pushed back by the boy’s spirited strength, staggered, and cried out, “I give up, I give up!”)

Foerster: You are strong indeed! Japan is fortunate to have young citizens such as you.

Lee Sang-jun (리상준, 李相俊) (Honmachi School, Ranan, North Hamgyong Province): In addition to that, we also do exercises called Imperial Subject Gymnastics, in which we swing wooden swords.

Hwang Yong-gyeom: If one were to say “the German spirit” in a single phrase, what would it be?

Foerster: Hmm, the German spirit?

(At this moment, all the other delegation members also stood up, surrounded Hwang Yong-gyeom, and one after another said, “Deutscher Geist! Deutscher Geist!”)

Lee Nam-su (리남수, 李南壽) (Cheongnam School, Anju, South Pyongan Province): If the Japanese spirit is put into a single phrase, it is the spirit of loyalty to the sovereign and love of country. One could also say that the sacred feeling we gained from our visit to Ise Grand Shrine is itself the Japanese spirit. What is the German spirit?

Foerster: That is a good question. In a single phrase, the German spirit is the burning patriotism by which the entire people unite as one and courageously devote themselves to the country.

Fighting to the End for World Peace
The Resolve of the German People Is Firm

Hwang Yong-gyeom: What kind of resolve do Germans usually possess?

Foerster: This, too, is a very good question. As you know, even now in Europe, the enemies of mankind are still trying to disturb the true peace of the political world. They must be defeated, and Germany, Europe, and the entire world must be placed under a rightful order.

For that purpose, the German people are dedicating everything of themselves and, together with the German state, advancing while eliminating every adversity. To make the will to carry out that advance fiercer — that is the resolve of the German people that you ask about. For the sake of world peace, the German people must still fight the enemies of mankind. At the same time, the resolve of the German people will surely become ever more intense.

Lee Geun-ha (리근하, 李瑾夏) (Nishikichō School, Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province): Finally, through us, the representatives of the children of Korea, I would like to receive words of instruction from Your Excellency the Delegation Leader for the elementary schoolchildren of all Korea — no, of all Japan.

Foerster: That is an honor. I, too, had been thinking that I would like to express my feelings to the elementary schoolchildren of Japan through you.

Elementary schoolchildren of Japan! From now on, continue to discipline your spirit and body even further, and when you grow up, please serve fully as incomparably loyal and good citizens of your fatherland, Japan. For that purpose, you must burn with patriotism and cultivate the power of unity.

And please become citizens who resolutely suppress the enemies of mankind, who disturb the peace of the world and attempt the destruction of culture. Become citizens who serve in the new construction of peace in the East and peace in the world. These are the words I give to you from my heart.

Becoming Friends Through Correspondence From Now On

Hwang Yong-gyeom: Thank you very much. From now on, we would like to correspond with Germany’s young citizens, promote great friendship, and devote ourselves to friendship between Japan and Germany.

Foerster: That is precisely what I desire. Germany’s young citizens will surely receive your letters with respect and affection.

And here is my hope. Until now, youth groups from mainland Japan have visited Germany, greatly shown the spirit of Japan’s young citizens, and enlightened the German people. But from Korea, too, I would like splendid and outstanding elementary schoolchildren such as you to be sent as envoys, and to deepen even further the bonds of the heart with Germany’s elementary schoolchildren.

Do not go back yet. There is one thing left that I want to ask. What do you intend to become when you grow up?

(Asked this, Hwang Yong-gyeom immediately answered, “When I grow up, I would like to become a great soldier or diplomat.”)

Raising the Right Hand and Saying “Heil Hitler!”

Choi Seong-guk (최성국, 崔成國): Thank you very much. We, too, hope that such an opportunity will come as soon as possible.

(Then, when Hwang Yong-gyeom raised his right hand and called out “Heil Hitler,” everyone in the train showed faces overflowing with gratitude.)

In this way, the delegation and the representative children from throughout Korea, who had held their exchange inside the international super-express train as it rushed forward at full speed, left a strong impression on one another and got off at Seoul Station.

Photo: The German newspaper delegation visiting the Chōsen Shrine.

Photo: Greetings at the station: Delegation Leader Foerster shaking hands with the child representatives on the platform at Daejeon Station.

Photo: The group of elementary school representatives from throughout Korea after reporting their visit to Ise Shrine at Chōsen Shrine.

A higher-resolution image of Foerster from a press event during the same trip in Japan or Korea (from Amana Images).

[Transcription]

京城日報 1939年5月12日

使節団一行に示す
半島小学生の意気
車中の交驩

十一日釜山からドイツ新聞使節一行と『あかつき』に乗り合わせた全鮮小学生代表参宮旅行団は車中に一行を訪ね、日本小国民の愛と尊敬とをこめた歓迎の辞をおくった。これには使節団の一行は大喜び。たちまち歓声と拍手の嵐がまきおこった。リハルド団長は歓迎の辞をのべた沙里院敷島小学校の宋基澤君の手を固く握りしめながら、満面をほころばせて

『只今うけた感銘は、実に私達一行が朝鮮に来てはじめてうけた感であります。しかもこの元気な立派な朝鮮の第二の国民からうけた感銘は私達の全旅行を通じて最も大きな感銘の一つとなり終世忘れることはできないと信じます。そして諸君のように立派な小国民を持つ日本に対し、改めて深大なる尊敬の意を表します』

と挨拶した。小さいながら代表としての覚悟をもつ、りりしい児童たちの姿はすっかり一行を満足させ、一人一人が太い手で矢継ぎ早に握手せめにする。そして膝にのせたり頭をなでたり『偉いぞ偉いぞ』の連発である。かくて小雨を切って走る国際急行列車の中に珍しい日独親善の花が咲きドイツ新聞団にはもちろん、我等の参宮旅行団にも深い大きな感銘をのこしたのである。なお団長は全鮮小学生代表へ感謝の印として全小学生へ贈るメッセージとヒトラー総統の写真二枚にそれぞれ署名し、それに果物を一箱そえて代表児童一行へ贈った。

ナチ魂に結ぶ半島児童の臣民精神
独逸新聞使節と参宮学童団の車中交驩座談会
全鮮小学生に代って歓迎の言葉を述べる
純真ながらも鋭い質問に使節団感歎

十一日『あかつき』で来城の途にあったドイツ新聞使節団一行を、同じ『あかつき』で帰城した全鮮小学生伊勢参宮旅行団は車中に訪問し、全鮮八十万小学生に代り歓迎の言葉を述べたのち、フェルスター団長をとりまいて『ドイツを尋ねる』座談会をひらいた。何しろ全鮮から選抜された優秀児童だ。質問の一つ一つが純真な中にも、世界の動きとドイツの前進に対する鋭い観察がこもって、フェルスター団長はなみいる使節団員と目で合図しながら答え、一言もおろそかにしない。動乱のヨーロッパから来た、神経の太さには自信のあるドイツ一流の新聞人達も『これには叶わぬ、我々も顔負けだ』と頭をかき、児童達の真剣な質問ぶりに驚異と興味を集中させ、終って後立派な生果一籠が団長から児童等へ贈られたのであった。以下はその質問応答ぶり。

小国民に与えるヒ総統の訓えは？
正義と信念と団結

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：私達は我国の聖地である伊勢の皇大神宮に参拝し、非常な感謝と大きな覚悟とを抱いて帰りました。そこで先ずおたずねしたいことがあります。ドイツにも国民精神の中心となる皇大神宮のような神様がいらっしゃいますか。

フ団長：あるとも。大ありだよ。今ミュンヘンに、ヒトラー総統閣下の精神を形にあらわした寺院のようなものがたてられているが、これは丁度、諸君が参拝してきたという皇大神宮のように、ドイツ国民全体がヒトラー総統とドイツ国家とに対すると同等の尊敬をささげるもので、この尊敬の精神の中に、大ドイツ建設に邁進するドイツ国民の健全なる精神がこめられているのだ。ドイツの前進を阻み、世界の正しい平和を乱そうとする者を、敵として闘うドイツ国民の意志は、ヒトラー総統の信念を表徴したこの寺院のようなものに対する尊敬の念の中から燃えてくる。

崔成國（平北新義州若竹校）：僕達はヒトラー閣下を日頃尊敬しています。あのたくましい意志と何事にも驚かない勇気とは、心から偉いと思っています。ドイツの小国民は平素、総統閣下からどんな風に教えられているのでしょうか。それを知りたいのです。

フ団長：いいことを尋ねてくれた。私もそれを諸君に是非話したいと思っていたのだよ。ヒトラー閣下は正義と信念と団結とを重んじられる。だからドイツの将来を背負う小国民に対しては、常に一致団結して正しいと信じる所に向い、断乎と進んで少しもひるまぬ強い愛国心を持ち、ドイツの前進を阻む一切のものをボルセヴィズムや共産主義とかを世界のために打ち破る偉大な国民となるよう教えられているのだ。それは丁度諸君が、平素忠良なる日本国民となるよう教えられているのと同じだね。伸びる国家にとっては第二の国民の養成が重大である。ねばり強く鉄の様に強い固い意志、これがドイツの小学生に常に与えるヒ総統閣下の訓えだが、この訓はそのまま諸君の日頃の生活にもとり入れていいのではないかと思う。

そこで今度は私から尋ねよう。諸君はどんな心構えの下に勉強しているのかね。

黃鏞謙：皇国臣民の誓詞というものがあり、これを本にして勉強しています。精神と身体を鍛錬し、私共は大日本帝国の臣民であるという大覚悟をもって天皇陛下に忠義を尽すという信念を絶えず持っているのです。

フ団長：そうだろう。諸君のそのりりしい態度こそ、その誓詞の精神がつくり上げたものなんだ。

元気な君たち
朝鮮の本当の姿だ
団長・黃君と柔道試合

曹南喆（全北裡里日出校）：はじめて朝鮮の風物を御覧になってどんなことをお感じになりましたか。

フ団長：これは一寸困った質問だね。実は先程も、或る朝鮮の方がこられて、それと同じ質問をされたが、何しろこの列車に乗ったばかりで朝鮮というものを少しも見ていない。別に申上げるような感想はないとお答えしたが、しかし今は違う。諸君とこうしてお話をし、感謝に堪えぬ歓迎の言葉を頂いた。しかも、元気な諸君の姿を見て大きな感銘をうけているよ。このように立派な小学生を作りあげた朝鮮の土に、大きな驚異を感じないではいられない。諸君は全く、我々一行に朝鮮の本当の姿を見せに来てくれたようなものだ。有難う。

吳大煥（黃海道海州幸町校）：ドイツの小学生は日頃どんな風に勉強していますか。

フ団長：先程もいった通り、団結力と祖国愛と正義に進む信念を養うため、一生、ヒトラー総統の教えの下に勉強している。健全なる精神と健全なる身体を持つこと。それが小学生に課せられた第一の務めなのだ。

黃鏞謙：健全なる身体を養うためには、どんなことをしていますか。

フ団長：そうだね。スポーツをやっているね。水泳、蹴球、バーレーボール、ドイツの剣術、そんなことをやっているね。諸君は一体何をやっているかね。

黃鏞謙：やはりスポーツをやります。

フ団長：ジュウドウはやらないのかね。

宋基澤（黃海道沙里院敷島小学校）：柔道もやります。剣道もやります。身体だけを鍛えるのでなく、精神を鍛えるためにやるのです。

フ団長：柔道をやっているのか．．．諸君のような少年でも．．．よし私と一番試合をしようか。（団長は立って、黃君と組合ったが、少年の元気な力に押されたじたじとなり、『叶わぬ叶わぬ』と悲鳴をあげた）

フ団長：強いな、諸君のような小国民を持つ日本は幸福だ。

李相俊（咸北羅南本町校）：僕達はそのほかに皇国臣民体操といって木刀を振ってする体操もやります。

黃鏞謙：ドイツ精神とは一口に言えばどんなことですか。

フ団長：ウムドイツ精神か（このとき他の団員一同も立ちあがり黃君をとりまいてドイツガイスト、ドイツガイストと口々に言った）

李南壽（平南安州清南校）：日本精神は一口にいえば忠君愛国の精神です。私達が伊勢参宮で得た神々しい気持がもう日本精神そのものであるともいえます。ドイツ精神とはどんなものですか。

フ団長：いい質問だよ。ドイツ精神は一口にいえば全国民が一致団結して勇敢に国のために尽くす、燃えるような愛国心なのだ。

世界平和の為に飽く迄戦う
独遊国民の覚悟は固い

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：ドイツ人は平素どんな覚悟をもっていますか。

フ団長：これもなかなかよい質問だ。諸君の知っての通り今ヨーロッパでは依然として人類の敵が正しい政界平和を攪乱しようとしている。これを破りドイツをヨーロッパを全世界を正当なる秩序の下に納めなければならぬ。そのためにはドイツ国民は自己の一切を捧げてドイツ国家とともに、あらゆる艱難を排除しつつ前進しているが、その前進を行う意志を猛烈にすることが、即ちお尋ねのドイツ国民の覚悟なのだよ。世界の平和の為にドイツ国民はまだまだ人類の敵と戦わねばならぬ。同時に、ドイツ国民の覚悟は愈々強烈の度を加えるであろう。

李瑾夏（咸南咸興錦町校）：最後に私達朝鮮の代表児童を通じて全朝鮮の、いや全日本の小学生に団長閣下のお教えの言葉を頂きたいと思います。

フ団長：それは光栄です。諸君を通じて日本の小学生に私の気持を述べたいと私も考えていたのだ。日本の小学生諸君はこれからも一層精神と身体を鍛錬し、大きくなったら祖国日本の忠良無比な国民として、充分御奉公して下さい。それには愛国心に燃え団結力を養わねばいけない。そして、世界の平和を乱し、文化の破壊を企てる人類の敵を断固と抑え、東洋の平和、世界の平和の新しい建設に役立つ国民となって下さい。これが諸君に与える私の心からの言葉です。

今後文通して仲善しになる

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：有難うございました。私達はこれから、ドイツの小国民と文通して大いに親睦を図り、日独両国の親善に尽くしたいと思いますが。

フ団長：願うところです。ドイツの小国民はきっと諸君のお手紙を尊敬と愛とを持って迎えるでしょう。それから私の希望だが、ドイツにはこれまで日本内地から青少年団が訪れ大いに日本小国民の意気を示しドイツ国民を啓発してくれたが、朝鮮からもまた諸君のようなすぐれた立派な小学生を使節として送り、ドイツの小学生と心の交りを一層強く結んでもらいたい。

まだ帰ってはいけない。たずねたいことが一つ残っている。君は大きくなったら何になるつもりかね。

問われた黃君は言下に『大きくなったら偉い軍人か外交官となりたいと思う』と答える。

右手をあげてハイルヒトラー

崔成國：有難う御座いました。私達もその機会が一日も早くくることを希望致します（そして黃君が右手をあげハイルヒトラーと呼ぶと、車中の一同は感謝を面にあふれさする）

こうして、驀進する国際超特急の中で開かれた使節団と全鮮代表児童とは、互いに強い感銘をのこし、京城駅で下車した。

• 写真：朝鮮神宮参拝の独逸新聞使節一行
• 写真：駅頭の挨拶：大田駅歩廊におけるフェルスター団長と児童代表の握手
• 写真：朝鮮神宮に伊勢神宮参拝の奉告を終えた全鮮代表小学生参宮団の一行

Note:

The Imperial Subjects' Oath (皇国臣民ノ誓詞), which Hwang Yong-gyeom mentions, was promulgated throughout Korea on October 2, 1937. It was actually drafted by a Korean collaborator named Lee Gag-jong (리각종, 李覺鐘), and then finalized by then Governor of occupied Korea, Minami Jirō. The oath is as follows. 

• 私共は、大日本帝国の臣民であります。
• 私共は、心を合わせて天皇陛下に忠義を尽します。
• 私共は、忍苦鍛錬して立派な強い国民となります。
• 我等は皇国臣民なり、忠誠以て君国に報ぜん。
• 我等皇国臣民は互に信愛協力し、以て団結を固くせん。
• 我等皇国臣民は忍苦鍛錬力を養い以て皇道を宣揚せん。
• We are subjects of the Great Empire of Japan.
• We are united in our hearts in our loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor.
• We will persevere and train ourselves to become a fine and strong people.
• We are subjects of the Imperial State, and we will repay the sovereign nation with loyalty.
• We, the subjects of the Imperial State, shall love and cooperate with each other, and thus solidify our unity.
• We, the subjects of the Imperial State, shall cultivate the power of endurance and discipline, and thereby proclaim the Imperial Way.

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• In May 1939, a Nazi German newspaper delegation toured colonial Korea and was welcomed in Seoul with swastika flags, shrine visits, and official receptions (link)
• ‘Hitler’s right-hand man’ Richard Foerster and Nazi editor Peter Winkelnkemper enjoy Korean cuisine and kisaeng entertainment at a Seoul press banquet, May 11, 1939 (link)

‘Hitler’s right-hand man’ Richard Foerster and Nazi editor Peter Winkelnkemper enjoy Korean cuisine and kisaeng entertainment at a Seoul press banquet, May 11, 1939

It is May 11, 1939 between 7 and 9 p.m. at a high-end restaurant in colonial Seoul hosted a banquet honoring a Nazi German delegation led by Richard Foerster (1879-1952), who served as a leader in German-Japanese diplomacy after retiring from active naval service. In the photo, he appears at the center with his mouth open, a Korean kisaeng standing just behind him.  Sitting to Foerster's right, holding chopsticks, appears to be Peter Winkelnkemper (1902-1944), the editor-in-chief of Cologne Nazi newspaper Westdeutscher Beobachter.  

Original Caption: The newspaper delegation enjoying Korean cuisine. Delegation Head Richard Foerster is in the center.

Also in attendance were representatives from all the major newspapers of Korea, including the three main Korean language newspapers (Maeil Sinbo, Dong-A Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo). The opening remarks were delivered by Choi Rin, president of Maeil Sinbo, who praised Imperial Japanese rule in Korea under the slogans “Japan-Korean unification,” and called for Japan and Germany to “smash” the Soviet Union. During the Korean War, Choi Rin would be abducted to North Korea, where he died in 1958. Dong-A-Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo would later be shut down by authorities in 1940, leaving Maeil Sinbo as the last remaining Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

The Nazi German guests were entertained by Kisaeng, or Korean female entertainers who sing, dance, play musical instruments and write poems to entertain upper-class men. In earlier times, their work did not necessarily always involve sexual service, but during Japanese colonial rule of Korea, they were more closely associated with sex work. By the 1940s, the vast majority were involved in prostitution. 

Adjacent to this article is another article introducing us to the German resident in Imperial Japan who volunteered to translate and guide the delegation: Carl Raymon, a German immigrant from Bohemia who settled in Hokkaido, Japan, married a local, and founded a sausage business that still exists to this day. Foerster helped out Raymon's business in 1928 when his warship docked in Hakodate and made big purchases of his meat products.

Japanese online biographies remember Raymon as a German artisan who loved Japan, developed livestock and meat-processing techniques, and suffered persecution and suspicion during the wartime period after his business was taken over by the authorities. However, this article portrays him as being in very good terms with Imperial Japanese and Nazi authorities: in Korea as an advisor to the colonial regime, and as a volunteer guide and translator for the Nazi delegation, while quoting him praising Foerster as the "right-hand man of Hitler". It goes to show that the popular legacy narrative about Raymon is incomplete and potentially sanitized.

The third article introduces Lieutenant General Kobayashi, who had befriended Foerster during the 1937 coronation naval review for King George VI and his subsequent visit to Germany.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), May 12, 1939

Relaxing Amid Korean Atmosphere
Japanese-German Fellowship of the Pen 
The Shared Mission of Serving their Nations Through Journalism
Welcome, Envoys of Our Allied Nation!

The German newspaper delegation, which entered Seoul on the 11th, attended a welcoming banquet that evening at Meigetsukan, hosted by representatives of the Keijō Nippō, Maeil Sinbo, Chōsen Shimbun, Dong-A Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo, Osaka Asahi Shimbun Korea Edition, Osaka Mainichi Shimbun Korea Edition, and Dōmei News Agency, where they engaged in a warm fellowship of pens between Japan and Germany.

At Meigetsukan, which served as the venue for the evening, the grand entrance and the path leading to the banquet hall were beautifully decorated with the Japanese Rising Sun and swastika flags to welcome the party. The fellowship of pens between Japan and Germany began with a powerful welcoming address by President Choi Rin (최린, 崔麟) of the Maeil Sinbo, representing the hosts:

“It is an honor to welcome newspaper envoys from our dear allied nation Germany to the Korean peninsula amid the Holy War. The governance of the Korean peninsula is founded on the spirit of impartial benevolence and Japanese-Korean unification, and the Korean peninsula today is becoming increasingly important as a central axis in the construction of the New Order in East Asia. At such a time, it is truly the most gratifying occasion to welcome here the representatives of the press organs of our allied Germany, which is advancing toward the construction of a New Order in Europe, and for East and West to respond to one another in smashing, with the pen, the red Soviet Union: the enemy of world peace.”

The toasts were then exchanged. Next, as representative of the delegation, Deputy Delegation Head Peter Winkelnkemper, editor-in-chief of the Westdeutscher Beobachter, rose briskly to applause and gave the following impassioned reply:

“We are grateful for the heartfelt welcome extended by all levels of Japanese society, public and private, and this visit to Korea has deepened that feeling all the more. The true value of this spiritual peninsula could be fully understood from the heartfelt welcome shown to us on our journey from Busan to Seoul. This evening, too, I am pleased to have the honor of attending this banquet hosted by the representatives of Seoul’s newspapers and news agencies. Sharing the same mission of serving the nation through journalism, let us take up the sword of culture that we possess, crush communism from its roots, and advance straight ahead toward the construction of a New World Order.”

With this forceful and passionate response, he pledged righteous anti-communism bound together by the pen, deeply moving those in attendance. Cups of friendship between Japan and Germany were exchanged over rare Korean cuisine and drinks poured by kisaeng. Thus, the banquet of Japanese-German cultural fellowship, especially meaningful amid the Holy War, came to a successful close shortly after 9 p.m.

That evening, the delegation was completely captivated by the exotic atmosphere: the vivid colors they were seeing for the first time, the distinctive fragrance, the neat and graceful costumes of the kisaeng, and more. In particular, when they witnessed the kisaeng’s skillful performance of classical Korean dance, the members of the delegation repeatedly exclaimed in unison, “Sehr schön!” — meaning “very splendid!” — praising the traditional dance handed down from ancient Korea.

[Photo caption: The newspaper delegation enjoying Korean cuisine. Delegation Head Richard Foerster is in the center.]

Delegation Head Richard Foerster Is the Führer’s Right-Hand Man
Pro-Japanese Mr. Raymon Speaks

Carl Raymon (46-years-old) is a pro-Japanese German who serves as an advisor to the Livestock Section of the Government-General of Korea. Twenty years ago, he was invited to Japan as a livestock engineer and worked toward the development of Hokkaidō. Three years ago, he became an advisor to the Government-General and came to Korea.

Upon learning that Delegation Head Richard Foerster, his great senior and old acquaintance, had entered Seoul, Raymon hurried back from Harbin. On the morning of May 11th, after consulting with Yoshifuchi, an official of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Government-General, Engineer Carl Raymon volunteered to serve as guide for the delegation during their stay in Seoul.

Engineer Raymon is a great pro-Japanese figure. Sixteen years ago, he married Yūko, the daughter of Mr. Katsuta, head of the Hakodate fire brigade. He now has two children, Finny, age five, and Alice, age four. In this way, he is a true practitioner of friendship between Japan and Germany.

Speaking in fluent Japanese, he described his excitement at the arrival of the newspaper delegation:

“Richard Foerster is truly a splendid man. He served as Hitler’s right-hand man and devoted himself to the construction of Germany. He is not someone who is superficial when it comes to diplomacy. Moreover, he is a man who has understanding and respect for Japan.

“Because of the European war, there was a time when friendship between Japan and Germany was broken. That was during the war — twelve years ago now. For the purpose of rebuilding Japanese-German friendship, he visited Japan. At that time, he also came to Hokkaidō, and I served as his guide and liaison.”

[Photo: Engineer Raymon]

O Friend of the Sea
Lieutenant General Kobayashi Comes from Afar, Eager to Revisit His Old Acquaintance, Delegation Head Foerster

“Oh, my dear old friend of the sea from two years ago!” Welcoming the arrival of the newspaper delegation from our allied nation Germany in the Korean peninsula, the person joyfully awaiting reunion with the words, “Oh, my dear old friend of the sea from two years ago,” is Lieutenant General Kobayashi Sōnosuke, commander of the Jinhae (진해, 鎭海) Naval Station.

In May of the year before last, Lieutenant General Kobayashi, then a rear admiral, served as the commander when he accompanied the cruiser Ashigara as the representative of the Imperial Japanese Navy to the unprecedentedly grand ceremony of the coronation of His Majesty King George VI of Britain. At the coronation fleet review held off Spithead, he flew the Imperial warship flag and magnificently displayed the imposing dignity of the Japanese Navy.

During his visit to Germany, Kobayashi formed a friendship with Admiral Richard Foerster, head of the delegation now visiting Korea, and the two exchanged a firm handshake of friendship between the Japanese and German navies. For Admiral Foerster himself, the one old acquaintance whom he would meet in this foreign land is none other than Lieutenant General Kobayashi.

Upon learning on May 11th that the delegation had entered Seoul, Lieutenant General Kobayashi left Jinhae as if flying and unexpectedly appeared in Seoul that evening, entering his familiar inn, Tenshinrō. On the eve of the long-awaited meeting, a reporter visited him at his lodging, where he spoke as follows about his joy after not having seen him in a long time:

“I wanted to see him again as soon as possible. Fortunately, tomorrow I will be able to meet him at the Governor-General’s residence at Waeseongdae (왜성대, 倭城臺) for the first time in some while, and I am very pleased.

“Admiral Foerster has now retired from active service, but despite his advanced age, he is more vigorous than ever. Even now, his name shines brightly as a great hope of the German Navy. At present, he occupies the important positions of president of the Japan-Germany Association and president of the Japan-Germany Cultural Association, and he has devoted himself completely, body and soul, to friendship between Japan and Germany.

“Had the schedule permitted, I would very much have liked him to see Jinhae. It is truly regrettable that we will have only a brief conversation.

“In particular, the Admiral’s character is the very picture of solemn integrity. One can strongly perceive in him the bearing of an old warrior. Admiral Foerster’s personality itself is a manifestation of the Nazi spirit.”

[Photo: Lieutenant General Kobayashi at ease in Tenshinrō, speaking of his joy.]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1939年5月12日

朝鮮情緒に寛ぐ
日独ペンの交驩
新聞報国の使命も同じく
ようこそ盟邦の使節

十一日入城したドイツ新聞使節団一行は当夜明月館に開かれた京城日報、毎日新報、朝鮮新聞、東亜日報、朝鮮日報、大朝、大毎、同盟通信社代表の歓迎宴に臨んで親しく日独ペン交驩を行った。この夜会場に当てられた明月館では大玄関から交驩宴場に至るまで日の丸とハーケンクロイツ旗をもって美しく飾り立て一行を迎えた日独ペン交驩の杯は先ず主催側代表：

崔毎新社長の：聖戦下半島にわが親愛なる明邦ドイツから新聞使節をお迎えすることは光栄である。半島統治は即ち一視同仁、内鮮一体の精神であって現下の半島は興亜新秩序建設の枢軸として益々重要である。かかる時欧州新秩序建設に邁進しつつある明邦ドイツの言論機関代表をここに迎えて東西相呼応して世界平和の敵赤色ソ聯をペンで打砕くということはまことに欣快事である。

の力強い歓迎挨拶に始まってとりかわされ、続いて使節団側代表としてウェストドイツチュル・ベオバハター主筆、ペーター・ウィンケルンケムパー副団長が拍手を浴びてサッと起立：

私共は日本朝野を挙げての心からの歓迎を感謝しているが、この朝鮮訪問に当って一層その感を深めた。精神半島の真価は釜山から京城へ来るまでの心を映しての歓迎振りで充分察知することが出来た。今夕はまた京城新聞、通信各代表者の招宴に列する光栄を得たことは嬉しい。新聞報国の使命を同じくするわれわれはわれわれの持つ文化の剣を執って共産主義を根底から叩きつぶして世界新秩序の建設に向って一路進撃しようではありませんか。

と力強く熱情溢るる答辞を述べてペンで結ぶ正義防共を誓って参列者の感激を集め、珍しい朝鮮料理と妓生のお酌で日独親善の酒杯をやりとりして聖戦下意義ひとしお深い日独文化交驩の宴を同夜九時過ぎ盛況裡に閉じたが当夜一行ははじめて見る鮮烈な色彩と特有のかおり、清楚な妓生の衣裳等々にすっかり異国情緒に魅せられ、殊に妓生の妙技朝鮮古典舞踊には一行口を揃えて『ゼヤーシェーン』（素晴らしいの意味）を連発してその朝鮮古来伝統の舞を讃美していた。

【朝鮮料理に舌鼓を打つ新聞使節、中央がフエ団長】

フエ団長は総統の片腕
親日家レ氏談

本府畜産課嘱託をしている親日家独逸人カール・レイモン氏（四六）は二十年前畜産技師として招聘を受け北海道の開発に努力した人だが、三年前本府の嘱託となり来鮮したもので、今度大先輩で旧知の間柄であるフェルスター団長の入城を知るやハルビンから飛んで帰り十一日午前中吉淵本府外務部事務官と相談の上一行の滞城中の案内役を買って出たカール・レイモン技師は大いの親日家で今から十六年前函館の消防組頭勝田氏の令嬢ユウ子さんと結婚。今ではフィニーさん（五つ）アリスさん（四つ）の二児を設けている程の日独親善の実行家である。同氏は鮮やかな日本語で新聞使節団入城の感激を語った。

『リハルド・フェルスターさんは実に立派な人で、ヒトラーさんの右腕となって独逸建設に尽くした人です。余り外交の表面には起たない人です。それに日本に理解と尊敬を持っている人です。欧州戦争のため一時日本と独逸の親善が破れたことがありましたので、戦争即ち今から十二年前でした。日独親善の建直しのため日本を訪れました。その時北海道にも来られたので、私が案内役と連絡係をやりました』

【写真＝レイモン技師】

おお海の友よ
遥々と旧知のフエ団長を訪ね
再会を喜ぶ小林中将

明邦ドイツ新聞使節団を半島に迎えて『オー懐かしき二年前の海の友よ』とよろこびその再会を楽しく待っている人は鎮海要港部司令官小林宗之助中将である。

中将は一昨年五月曠古の盛典たる英国皇帝ジョージ六世陛下の戴冠式に帝国海軍代表として『足柄』に便乗スピットヘッド沖で行われた戴冠奉祝観艦式に帝国軍艦旗を掲げて堂々たる日本海軍の威容を発揮した時の司令官（当時少将）で、今回来朝した使節団長リハルド・フェルスター海軍大将とはドイツ訪問の際親交を結び日独海軍親善の固い握手を交わしたことがあるので当のフェルスター大将とても異郷で逢う旧知といえばひとり小林中将である。

小林中将は十一日一行の入城を知るや鎮海を飛ぶように立ってその夜ひょっこり京城へ姿を現わしてお馴染みの旅館天真楼へ入ったが、懐かしい今日の会見を前にその前夜宿舎を訪れた記者に”嬉しい久闊の感”を次ぎの如く語る。

一日も早く逢いたかった。幸い明日倭城台総督官邸でしばらく振りでお逢い出来るので嬉しい。フェルスター大将は只今では現役を退いておられますが老齢益々御壮健でいまなおドイツ海軍の大ホープとしてその名声は光り輝いている。現在も日独協会長、日独文化協会長の重要なる位置におられ日独親善には全く身命を捧げて尽くされています。日程さえ許されば是非とも鎮海を見ていただきたいとおもっていましたのに、ほんのひとときの会談では実際残念です。殊に大将のお人柄は謹厳そのもの古武士の面影が深く看取されフェルスター大将の人格そのままナチス精神の現れであります。

【写真＝天真楼で寛いでのよろこびを語る小林中将】

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• In May 1939, a Nazi German newspaper delegation toured colonial Korea and was welcomed in Seoul with swastika flags, shrine visits, and official receptions (link)

In 1944, Imperial Japan launched an “all-out campaign” to erase Hangul from public life, mobilizing teachers and Korean youth to destroy Korean signs, books, and even phonograph records

This 1944 news announcement represents one of the darkest moments in the history of the Korean language. In April and May of that year, the Imperial Japanese colonial government in Korea launched a destructive “all-out campaign” to eradicate the visible and audible presence of Hangul from public life. Street signs, advertisements, and signposts written in Korean were torn down. Books, phonograph records, and even the metal typesets used to print Korean newspapers and publications were confiscated and melted down.

When public signs were written in Chinese characters (Hanja), the authorities ordered that Japanese kana readings be appended alongside the characters to ensure that no one would “mistakenly” read them in Korean. For instance, a sign reading 京城, the colonial-era name for Seoul, might have the Japanese reading けいじやう (Keijō) written beside it, to force readers to pronounce it the Japanese way instead of Gyeongseong. Countless Korean cultural artifacts, from printed materials to audio records, were likely lost forever in this campaign of linguistic annihilation.

This policy was the brainchild of Governor-General Kuniaki Koiso, who, in January 1943, declared that Korea was like a disabled body whose brain could not communicate with its limbs. He argued that “in order for the four limbs to move in an orderly fashion under the command of the brain and nervous system, there is no other way but to forcibly put into practice the training of Imperial subjects for everyone, regardless of whether they are government officials or ordinary people.” From this ideology emerged the final and most aggressive phase of Japan’s linguistic colonization—culminating in the April–May 1944 campaign described in this article.

This also explains why, immediately after liberation in August 1945, Korean newspapers could not publish in Korean. The Hangul typefaces had been melted down during this campaign, leaving only the Maeil Sinbo—the last surviving Korean-language paper—with usable type. As a result, newspapers had to continue publishing temporarily in Japanese until new Hangul typefaces could be manufactured.

Finally, the article reveals a chilling pattern familiar in authoritarian movements: the mobilization of youth as enforcers of ideology. Students and children were deployed to lead the destruction of their own language, guiding adults who had not yet “mastered” Japanese. Like later totalitarian revolutions, Imperial Japan understood that the minds of the young were the most malleable—and that by weaponizing their idealism, even cultural self-destruction could be made to look like patriotic duty.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) March 24, 1944

Drive Hangul Out of the Streets!
Practical Campaign for the Thorough Adoption of the Japanese Language in Daily Life

It has been quite some time since the call for the regular use of the Japanese language was first announced. Yet thorough implementation has still not been achieved. As the Korean Federation of National Power recognizes that the first step in imperializing the people lies in living entirely through the Japanese language, it is now drafting specific plans to launch the “Campaign for the Thorough Adoption of the Japanese Language in Daily Life.”

The regular use of Japanese has been promoted repeatedly in the past, but each effort has been short-lived, like a sparkler that quickly fizzles out. This time, however, the movement aims for complete and enduring realization. The campaign period is set from early April through the end of May, under the slogans “Let us practice Japanese in our daily lives” and “Let all residents of every city, town, and township use Japanese together.” Every organization connected to the national body will be mobilized, devoting its efforts to eliminating those who have not yet mastered Japanese.

Educators, students, and children are to take the lead, guiding those who have not yet learned Japanese. At the same time, signs, advertisements, and signposts written in Hangul are to be removed, or Japanese kana readings are to be appended alongside the characters. Metal type for Hangul that has been lying unused is to be collected and supplied for metal resources. Korean-language phonograph records are to be melted down and reused as material for record production. Unneeded Hangul books are to be disposed of. Hangul bibles and hymnals used in churches are to be replaced with Japanese ones. Within households, the “One Japanese Word a Day” campaign is to be carried out.

These items are being considered as part of the action plan. Those who complete Japanese language training courses will have their results officially recognized and will receive a “Certificate Badge.” There will also be awards established for habitual use of Japanese. With such measures, the movement intends to unfold an all-out campaign for the complete adoption of the Japanese language in daily life.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1944年3月24日
街から閉出せ諺文
国語生活の徹底へ実践運動

国語常用が叫ばれてから既に久しい。だが未だに徹底しないので、皇民化の第一歩は国語生活にあると国民総力朝鮮聯盟は『国語生活徹底運動』に乗り出すため目下具体案を練っている。国語の常用は幾度か繰り返されてきたものであるが、その都度線香花火的であり永続性を欠き、いつの間にか消えていたのであるが、今度の運動は徹底的に実践せんとする意図で陽春四月から五月末をその機関とし、『国語生活を実行しよう』『府邑面民揃って国語を使おう』等の実践申合せを行い、あらゆる国体の組織網を総動員し、国語未解得者の解消に挺身する外教育関係者、学生、生徒、児童は陣頭に起って未解者を指導すると共に諺文看板、広告、標柱等を撤去若しくは国語仮名書を併記し、また死蔵諺文活字の供出、朝鮮語音盤を再生し音盤資材として供出、不要諺文図書の処分、教会等の聖書、讃美歌を国語化し家庭内の『一日一語運動』等が実践項目として考えられており、国語講習会修了者の成績を認定し『認定章』をつけ或は国語常用賞を制定、佩用する等徹底的な運動を展開せんものと意気込んでいる。

Source: National Library of Korea, Digital Newspaper Archive 

See also:

• Governor Koiso likened Korea to a disabled body whose brain (regime) could not talk to the limbs (Korean people), so an ‘exclusive use of Japanese’ policy was forced on Koreans, starting with Seoul city employees who were labeled ‘inferior’ and ‘weak-willed’ if they still spoke Korean at work (link)
• Korean staff at Keijo Nippo took over news operations from their former Japanese bosses in Nov 1945 and then sent this message to Korean readers announcing continued publication in Japanese for the time being until Korean typefaces are ready for use (link)
• 1943 editorial calls for Korean language to be wiped out (link)
• Colonial officials claimed 'Korean must naturally stop being spoken as a result of the spread of Japanese' 'no words in Korean can express the essence of the Japanese spirit in a straightforward way' 'Korean will one day be regarded as just another local dialect like the Kyushu dialect' (June 1943) (link)
• Imperial Japan waged an aggressive Japanese language campaign on Korean villages in the '30s and '40s, entering homes to attach Japanese labels on household objects, putting residents under 55 in mandatory classes, applying an "unyielding whip" to "break down their customs and stray dreams" (link)