Korea in November 1945 was beset by rampant inflation, which the Koreans editors of newly liberated Keijo Nippo blamed on ‘Korean traitors’ and departing Japanese who liquidated their property and spent cash ‘indulging in lavish eating and wastefulness’

In my recent trip to Seoul, I visited the National Library of Korea and took many photos of pages from the Keijo Nippo newspaper, which was originally established as the official propaganda mouthpiece for the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which ruled Korea from 1905 to 1945. Around November 1, 1945, a transformative change occurred: the newspaper was taken over by pro-independence Korean employees, shifting its editorial stance drastically and turning it into a platform for Korean liberation.

One of my interesting finds was this editorial article from November 5, 1945, written by Korean writers describing the rampant inflation that was occurring in Korea at the time under U.S. military occupation, newly liberated from Imperial Japanese colonial rule. The Korean editors appeared to blame the inflation squarely on departing Japanese residents who were liquidating their property into cash and lavishly spending it before returning to Japan, and also certain ethnic Koreans who were helping the Japanese residents by buying their property from them. It seems that, like in post-war Japan, there was a sort of euphoric atmosphere in post-war Korea for certain affluent people who had the means to party and have fun, anxious to forget the suffering and privations of war.

The Korean anger and resentment against the colonial regime and the Japanese people are very palpable in the article, as well as the writers' hostility against 'ethnic Korean traitors', or pro-Japanese Koreans who are described as only interested in personal profit as they shift their allegiance from the Japanese to the Americans. We can also see the reverence that the writers held for the 'sacred U.S. military'.

We can also see the Koreanized Japanese that the writers use, writing '日人' instead of '日本人' for Japanese, and writing '親美' instead of '親米' for pro-American, but they don't seem to be consistent with this shift, since both forms are used in the article.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) November 5, 1945

The Villains Behind the Inflation

The Japanese Must Leave

The Removal of Ethnic Korean Traitors Pretending to be Pro-American is Also an Urgent Priority

During the era of Japanese Imperialism when corrupt governance was the norm, our 30 million compatriots were exploited through coercive collections and transactions by the Governor-General's Office and other institutions, leading to economic controls and fixed pricing systems. These measures were said to be abolished after October 20th of this year. When the U.S. Military Government issued General Directive No. 2, it encouraged trade and production, aiming for a free market economy in Korea to decrease commodity prices, and it put its efforts into bringing previously sidelined goods back into the marketplace. As evidence of the Korean people's own trust in the U.S. Military Government, it was stated the previous day by the U.S. Military Government that bank deposits and postal savings had increased by several million yen, and that various commodity prices were expected to fall below standard levels. This directive had been definitively worded to rely on the laws of supply and demand, as was well-known among those in the economic sphere. However, when we actually observe the subsequent state of Korea's economy, we see that commodity prices continue to rise day by day. With the harsh winter looming, the public sentiment is enveloped in anxiety, and the future direction of the country is uncertain. What is the cause of this?

Eighty percent of Korea's assets were owned by Japanese people, and it was not just in the form of real estate, but also cash holdings. Furthermore, as Japanese people, they were allowed to freely buy and sell their private property, adding 'icing on the cake,' so to speak. In collusion with ethnic Korean traitors, they made an internal agreement to deposit only a portion of the proceeds into Korean banks, following the directives of the malicious government, while the majority of the funds were set aside to be received separately. That is how, while they cannot freely withdraw cash from the bank (no more than 1000 yen can be withdrawn at a time), they can still indulge in lavish eating and wastefulness while in Korea. This is the final malevolence of people leading the country to ruin. Furthermore, because they purchase goods at high prices, they end up possessing only about 20% [of their original assets]. As Korean compatriots, how can we fight against this? The economic impact is significant on lower-level laborers as well as the general public who live month-to-month maintaining households on monthly salaries.

There are only two solutions. One is to expel the Japanese from our country as soon as possible, and the other is to remove the ethnic Koreans traitors who collude with them. These ethnic Korean traitors (pro-Japanese individuals) aim to cheaply acquire or manage property owned by the Japanese. They put on the facade of being pro-American, and with advanced techniques previously used to curry favor with the Japanese, they try to deceive the sacred U.S. military, which came to save us, in order to gain personal profit. If the U.S. military thinks that these traitors are the leaders of Korea, we believe that they will repeat a grave mistake. We heard that the U.S. Military Government has set up an investigative committee regarding the selling of property, so we hope that the Military Government will thoroughly investigate these ethnic Korean traitors and be fully prepared for the establishment of a new Korea.

Who Is to Blame for Price Inflation?

Wipe Out the Destructive Mentality

Know the Righteousness of Building the Korean Nation

Why has the price of a bundle of green onions skyrocketed from one yen to three? It's not just green onions. The same thing is happening to sugar and daikon radish. As rampant inflation is threatening our daily life, we should definitely denounce the ones responsible for this malicious inflation. Who can deny that the majority of Japanese, who are limited to carrying cash when going back to Japan, are the main culprits? When considering that they can take lots of cash with them when they go back to Japan, it is no wonder why, these days, the Japanese can continue to lead prosperous lives without any discomfort as long as they have cash.

Take a look at the markets in the city. Is it not true that the ones hoarding the most essential food items and goods are exclusively Japanese women? We hear of outrageous stories like green onions, which were said to be too expensive at one yen a bundle, jumping to three yen a bundle before you knew it, and sugar now selling at 60 yen a kilogram. When you tell a vegetable seller that "Three yen for a bundle of green onions is too expensive," they reply, "You must be joking. Japanese people will buy it no matter how expensive it is."

Those immoral merchants who take advantage of the Japanese people's psychology to inflate prices must also be expelled, but whatever happens to the economic order of Korea in the future, these destructive scoundrels who are indifferent to how they threaten the lives of the Korean people must be removed as soon as possible. For 40 years, they squeezed as much blood from the Korean people as they could, and now they are returning to the ruins of their homeland while wiping their tears in defeat, but these are the underhanded means by which they leave economic chaos behind in Korea. Particularly in the southern part of the city and near the areas where Japanese residents live, due to the economic chaos caused by the Japanese, prices are increasing day-by-day. Thus, we must be determined to quickly implement the complete removal of the malicious residents who do not know the "Righteousness of Building the Korean Nation".

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年11月5日

インフレを造る悪党

日人は退去せよ

にせ親美の民族反逆者除去も急先務

悪政が継続された日本帝国主義時代に総督府或いは総ゆる機関に対し強制的に供出、売買をさせ我等三千万同胞の血を吸い出し手足金しばりにした謂商業統制令と公定価格制度を今年十月二十日以後から廃止すると、軍政庁で総指令第二号を布告すると同時に我等朝鮮の経済界を自由市場へと指導する立場にて売買を奨励、生産を増加させ物価を低下させると同時に各自が死蔵した物品を市場へ送るべく総力を注いでいるから、朝鮮民族自体も軍政庁を信頼する証拠として銀行預金と郵便貯金が数百万円と増加して各種の物価が水準以下に低落するものと軍政庁では前日に言明して曰く、此の法令は経済界者達が周知している如く需要と供給の法則に依る決定的に言明されたが、以後の朝鮮の経済界を一観する時、それと反比例に日々物価は上がる一方で厳冬を前に控えて民心は不安に包まれ、その行方を知らずに居るのである。其の原因は何に起因するか。

朝鮮の八割の財産が日本人の所有であったから、その財産は不動産のみではない。勿論、それに正比例して現金も偏在してあった。その外に日本人としては、錦上に花を添える形で私有財産を自由に売買することを許されたのを寄貨として、朝鮮の民族反逆者と共謀して、その代価の一部分を朝鮮銀行に（悪政庁の命令にて）預金することを内約し、大部分は現今を別途に受け取って置き、思うがままに現金を銀行から引き出さられぬから（千円以上不能）朝鮮に居る間に好く食うてくい散らかす亡国人の最後の発悪を致し、かつてに高価にて物を買い入れるから二割程度しか持たない。我等朝鮮同胞は此れにどうして対抗出来るであろうか。尚さら下層労働者と月給にて月々の世帯を持つ大衆に及ぼす経済的影響は大きなものであるのである。

その解決方針としては二つしかない。その一つはすべからく日本人をして一日も早く我が国より追い出すことであり、もう一つは日本人と共謀する民族反逆者を除去することである。この民族反逆者（親日輩）達は日本人の財産を手安く自分の手に入るべく又は管理すべく親米家の仮面をかぶって過去に日本人におべっかを使った高等技術にて我等を救うために来た神聖なる米軍を瞞して私利を獲得しようとする者をまず先に除去すると同時に、米軍も彼輩達を朝鮮の指導者と思っては大きな過失をくり返すものと思われるが、軍政庁でも財産売買に関する審査委員会が設置されたと聞いているから民族反逆者達を徹底的に調査して朝鮮の建国の為に万全を期することを願うところである。

物価騰貴の罪は誰？

一掃せよ亡国根性

建国朝鮮の大義を知れ

一束一円の葱が一躍三円に値あげられた理由は一体どこにあるのか？葱ばかりでない。砂糖にしても大根にしてもそうだ。昨今の如く漬物価の暴騰がわれわれの生活の全面を脅かす時、悪性インフレーの造作輩の跋扈は断じて排撃すべきものである。現金持参（帰国のとき）を限定されを日本人の大多数がこの悪党輩の張本人であることを誰が否認しようか。帰国は出来ても多額の現金は止められている実状に照して彼等日本人このごろの生活は現金のある限り何等不自由なく裕かな生活をつづけている訳だ。

市内の各市場をのぞいて見よ。主要食糧をはじめ諸物貨の買い漁りは日本人婦女子に限られてはいないか。一円でも高過ぎるといった葱一束が何時の間に三円となり、砂糖一斤六十円というベラボウな話。野菜屋をのかぞいて『葱一束三円はあまり高いじゃないか』といえば『ご冗談でしょう。日本人はいくら高くても買ってくれますよ』。

いくら高くても買う日本人の心理を衝いて物価をベラボウに上げる悪徳商人も断じて駆逐すべきであるが、朝鮮の経済秩序が今後どうなろうが、朝鮮民族の生活が如何に威脅されようが構わぬという亡国的根性をもつ悪党を早く駆逐すべきである。四十年の長き間、朝鮮人の膏血を絞るだけ絞って今敗戦の涙をぐんで廃墟の里へ帰らんとする日本人の朝鮮に残す経済攪乱の卑劣な手段は即ちこれだ。殊に市内南部その外日本人居留部落の近くにある市場等の諸物価はこれら日本人の経済攪乱によって...日に日に沸騰する覚悟で建国朝鮮の大義を知らない悪性居留民の完全撤退が速に実施されなければならない。

Saiga Shichirō (斎賀七郎), an Imperial Japanese Ideological Police officer responsible for the torture, false imprisonment, and deaths of countless Korean patriots, was assassinated in Seoul on Nov. 2, 1945 (reported by newly liberated Keijo Nippo)

For my fourth post that I am making during my stay in Korea, I am sharing a Keijo Nippo news article about the November 2nd, 1945 assassination of Saiga Shichirō (斎賀七郎), a member of the Ideological Police in Korea under Japanese rule, which I discovered while browsing through the old Japanese language colonial news archives at the National Library of Korea.

For those unfamiliar, Keijo Nippo had been the official propaganda newspaper under the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which had dominated Korea from 1905 to 1945. Just a few days earlier on around November 1, 1945, the Korean employees had taken over the newspaper from their Japanese bosses, transforming a tool of oppression into a platform for liberation. This article was published on November 5, 1945 and written by the Korean employees of the Keijo Nippo newspaper.

Saiga Shichirō was apparently responsible for the torture, false imprisonment, and deaths of countless Korean patriots. The article describes his assassination as a form of retribution and justice.

It's fascinating to see how the narrative shifts depending on the prevailing power structure. Just a few months earlier, Saiga Shichirō would have been lionized in this very newspaper, perhaps described as a hero or a martyr for the Imperial Japanese cause. Now, with the tables turned and Korea liberated, the article portrays him as a villain who met a fitting end. This is a clear example of how the Korean patriotic perspective has overturned the Imperial Japanese colonial viewpoint.

Interestingly, a Google search of Saiga Shichirō in Japanese doesn't yield any information about his alleged crimes, which makes this article even more significant. By posting it here, I hope to make this information more easily accessible, and facilitate a more nuanced understanding of this part of Japanese and Korean history in the online space.

[Translation]

Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) November 5, 1945

An ideological police officer who was a devil

These were his last moments

Saiga Shichirō was shot dead in the streets

The following is about the miserable end of the evil devil of the Japanese Imperialist Ideological Police, who for over 20 years subjected numerous of our patriotic pioneers to brutal torture, framed them with false charges, and drove them to death in prison.

Former Senior Police Officer Saiga Shichirō (47 years old) of the Gyeonggi Province Police Department was shot dead by a number of assailants on the street next to the Wonnam-dong (원남동, 苑南洞) Post Office in the city around 6:30 PM on November 2nd. Following Japan's defeat and Korea's liberation, he had sent his family back to his hometown in Kagawa Prefecture in haste, while he himself stayed behind at his residence at 124 Wonnam-dong, engrossed in settling his estate. It seems that Saiga himself acknowledged the crimes that he had committed, as he was mostly absent from his home, and even the neighbors mentioned that they had not seen lights on at his place until now.

However, on the day of the shooting (November 2nd), bright lights were turned on inside Saiga's house, and even laughter could be heard from inside. Just after 6 PM, Saiga appeared outside, wearing slippers, to see off a guest. As he crossed the roundabout in Wonnam-dong and entered the alley next to the post office, gunshots suddenly rang out from the darkness. Saiga was shot in the right chest and was holding it with his hand when a second bullet struck his head. Saiga collapsed onto the ground and met his end with a final, dying scream.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年11月5日

思想警察の『悪魔』、最後は之れだ

斎賀七郎が路上で射殺さる

二十年間に亘って幾多の我等の愛国先覚者たちを残虐な拷問にかけて無実の罪をでっち上げては囹圄に縛りつけて死へと追いやった日本帝国主義思想警察の邪鬼―の惨めな最後。

前京畿道警察部高等警察課警部斎賀七郎（四七）は、二日午後六時半頃市内苑南町郵便局横の路上で何人かにより拳銃で射殺された。斎賀は香川県産で日本の敗戦に伴う朝鮮の解放と共に家族だけあわてて郷里に帰し、自分は市内苑南町一二四の自宅に踏み留まって家産整理に汲々としていたが、さすがに斎賀も自分の犯した罪は自認するものと見えて殆ど居留守を使い、隣近の家でも今まで斎賀の所に火をともしたのをつい見かけなかったとのことである。

ところが射殺当日（二日）は斎賀の家に煌々と電灯がともされ、高々と笑声さえも聴こえて来たのである。六時を一寸過ぎた頃、斎賀は客を見送ってスリッパをつつかけたまま外へ姿を現し、苑南町のロータリーを渡って同町郵便局横の路地に入った際、突如暗がりの中から銃声が轟き斎賀は右胸を撃たれて手で押さえた瞬間続いて第二弾が頭部を見舞い斎賀はどっと地上へぶったぶれ、断末魔の叫び声と共に最後を遂げた。

A photo of the article that I took at the National Library of Korea.

Korean staff at the newly liberated Keijo Nippo Newspaper published this editorial and illustration in December 1945 denouncing the atrocities of Japanese Imperialism and repudiating the myth of ‘Japanese-Korean Unification’

For my third post that I am making during my stay in Korea, I thought it would only be fitting to give voice to some long-forgotten Korean writers who have something crucial to say about their experiences under Imperial Japanese rule. I found their editorial and illustration in the old Japanese-language newspaper archives at the National Library of Korea.

The article I'm sharing today was published on December 8th, 1945 and written by the Korean employees of the Keijo Nippo newspaper. For those unfamiliar, Keijo Nippo had been the official propaganda newspaper under the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which had dominated Korea from 1905 to 1945. In early November 1945, the Korean employees took over the newspaper from their Japanese bosses, transforming a tool of oppression into a platform for liberation.

Though short, this editorial serves as a strong indictment against the crimes, injustices, and inhumanities perpetrated by Imperial Japan. Accompanying the editorial is a drawing that vividly illustrates the suppression of free speech (言論弾圧), forced conscription (強制徴兵), forced student soldiers (強制学兵), forced labor (強制勤労), forced requisition (強制徴用), and contributions (供出) under Japanese Imperialism (日本帝国主義).

[Translation]

Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) December 8, 1945

Commemorating the End of Japan's Imperial Rule on December 8th

The Korean Nation's 'Day of Bloodshed'

When we recall December 8th, we realize that, from that day on, our Korean compatriots were bound by the iron net of Japanese imperialism, and they shed their precious blood in the sky, sea, and fields, along with their countless pure souls. The more we think about it, the more painful the bloodshed becomes, making our teeth chatter and filling us with intense emotions.

The harsh reality that drove thirty million of our compatriots to the brink of death, while falsely promoting the idea of "Japanese-Korean Unification," has clearly unfolded before our eyes. Conscription, mobilization, labor, contributions, and requisitions — all were forced upon us.

Countless many compatriots who left their fathers and were separated from their siblings and spouses have buried their angry wave of deep resentment in the lands of the Asian continent. They must now be quietly celebrating this great liberation and nation-building.

Four years have passed since the beginning of Japan's imperial invasion of the East and the Pacific War! Today, we observe December 8th at the very location where liberation occurred precisely on that day [on August 15th]! This day is one of historical significance, a day of cheers from thirty million people. Four years of hardship and endurance! How did we manage to live through all of this? We had mouths but were restrained from practicing freedom of speech, and we endured unbearable exploitation and oppression. Look at this record of blood, endured with hardships and bitterness, inflicted upon us by Japanese imperialism since that day on December 8th.

 

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年12月8日

12月8日は日本の断末幕

朝鮮民族「流血の日」

想い起こせば、あの日十二月八日、あれから朝鮮同胞は日本帝国主義の鉄鋼網に縛られて尊い血を空に海に野に無限の純魂と共に流されたのである。ああ想えば想うほどくやしい流血であった。歯根もふるえ、熱腸九廻の思いをする。

内鮮一体という偽装の看板を高く掲げて三千万わが同胞を死の彼岸へ追い込んだ痛烈なる現実がわれわれの眼前にはつきりと展開されたではないか。徴兵も徴兵の出陣も勤労、供出、徴用すべてが強制でないものはかなかった。

父親の膝下を離れ、兄弟妻子に離別した幾多の同胞が大陸の地に怒濤の波に千秋の怨恨を埋めて、いま静かにこの大なる解放建国を祝うに違いない。

日本帝政の東洋侵略への末幕大東亜戦争から満四年！きょうこの日がちょうどその日であった解放の處に迎える十二月八日！この日は世紀的感激が燃えたつ三千万の歓呼の日である。困苦忍耐の四年！われわれはどんなにして生きて来たのか。口あれど言論の自由を拘束され酷使と圧迫に堪え難きものがあった。あの日！あの十二月八日からの日本帝政に加えられた臥薪嘗胆の血の記録を見よ。

Edit: The very last line of the transcription was corrected to あの十二月八日からの日本帝政に加えられた臥薪嘗胆の血の記録を見よ。This is to be translated as, "Look at the record of blood, endured with hardships and bitterness, inflicted upon us by the Imperial Japanese regime since December 8th."

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

For my second post that I am making during my stay in Korea, I thought it would only be fitting to introduce you to the Korean perspectives that I unexpectedly found in the old Japanese-language newspaper archives at the National Library of Korea. This editorial message is a fascinating piece of history from November 1945, shedding light on the transitional period just after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The message comes from the ethnic Korean staff of the Keijo Nippo newspaper. For those unfamiliar, Keijo Nippo had been the official propaganda newspaper under the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which had dominated Korea from 1905 to 1945.

In this pivotal moment of history, the Korean staff had recently taken over the news operations from their Japanese superiors. They faced a unique challenge: the need to communicate with their fellow Koreans, but with limited resources to do so in their native language. Due to a shortage of Korean typefaces essential for producing newspapers in the Korean language, they found themselves in a position where they had no choice but to continue publishing in Japanese.

However, the staff wanted to convey a crucial message to their ethnic Korean readership. They sought to reassure them that, even if the articles were written in Japanese, the heart and soul of the content would remain undeniably Korean. The essence of their message was a commitment to the Korean spirit and identity, even amidst the challenges of the transitional period.

It's a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by nations in the aftermath of colonial rule and the resilience of people striving to reclaim their cultural identity.

Keijo Nippo would continue publishing until its last issue on December 11, 1945. Unfortunately, many of the surviving copies of Keijo Nippo from that month look badly damaged, including the last issue. 

[Translation]

Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) November 2, 1945

Notice

Since August 15th, everything in Korea is gradually returning to our possession. In line with this, the Keijo Nippo newspaper has also returned to our possession as of today. We only regret how long overdue this return was.

Reflecting on the long journey of the Keijo Nippo newspaper over the past forty years, it is undeniable that there have been many actions that we, as Korean compatriots, could not condone. Even though we served in our duties and acted the way we did due to compulsion and pressure, we are tormented by our responsibility in all this.

At this juncture, we considered abandoning our pens and becoming the foundation stones for the establishment of the nation. However, given that certain tasks are best left to those who specialize in them, we deeply realized that the only shortcut to contribute to the construction of the new Korean state was to dedicate ourselves with sincerity in our professional field as journalists. Thus, we have picked up our pens again, which we had once put aside, and we have firmly vowed to become a driving force for the establishment of Korea.

However, due to the directives of the military government and the lack of typefaces, we have reluctantly reached a point where we will continue to publish in Japanese for the time being in this transitional period. This is something we deeply regret.

Nevertheless, even if the expressions are in Japanese, the content remains true to our Korean spirit. We sincerely hope that our thirty million Korean compatriots will understand our genuine feelings on this matter.

We vow once again! We will do our utmost to serve as the foundation stones for the establishment of Korea. We will make every effort to rectify this transitional state of publishing in Japanese as soon as possible. We earnestly request the guidance and encouragement of our thirty million Korean compatriots.

November 1, 1945

Keijo Nippo Newspaper Company

From All the Korean Employees

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年11月2日

謹告

八月十五日を契機として、朝鮮内の凡ゆるものは我等に戻りつつある。この線に沿って『京城日報』も今日を以て我等の手に帰したが、我等はその何と遅かりしを卿つのみである。

偖て『京城日報』が過ぐる四十年間の長きに亘って歩んで来た途程に就いては、我等朝鮮同胞として許すべからざるものの多々あるは否み難い。仍って、いくらかなりとも職を奉じていた我等としては、圧力に強いられて動いて来たとはいえ、その責に悶えているのである。

此の際潔くペンを折って建国の聖なる捨石となる途もなきやと考えても見たものの、矢張り餅は餅屋で、言論人として誠を捧げて職域に奉ずるのが朝鮮の新国家建設に寄与する唯一の捷径であることを痛感し、此に更めて一度は擱いたペンを執り直し、敢えて朝鮮建国の推進力たらんと固く誓って起ち上がったのである。

然るに軍政庁の指示と活字の不備により不本意乍ら過渡期的現象として、当分間日本文を以て発刊するの已むなきに至った。これは我等としてもかえすがえすも遺憾に堪えないところである。

併し、譬え表現は日本文を藉りるとはいえ、その内包は我が朝鮮魂に偽りのないことは言うまでもない。此の点については、朝鮮三千万同胞諸氏に我等の微衷を諒せられんことを切に乞う次第である。

我等は改めて誓う！我等は、朝鮮建国の捨石として最善を竭さん。而して日本文で発刊されるという過渡期的現象を一日も速やかに是正することに、我等は最大の努力を傾けん。冀くば朝鮮三千万同胞諸氏よ！絶大の御指導と御鞭捷を賜わらんことを。

一九四五年十一月一日

京城日報社

朝鮮人従業員一同

A poignant editorial drawing showing the separation of Korea by the 38th parallel, published on November 20, 1945 by the Keijo Nippo Newspaper controlled by the ethnic Korean employees.

Heavily damaged page from a December 1945 issue of Keijo Nippo

I finally accessed the 1945 Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) archives in-person at the National Library of Korea - Korean employees apparently rebelled against their Japanese bosses in Nov. 1945 and took over news operations until the last issue published on Dec. 11, 1945

For over two years, I have been passionately posting about Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo), a newspaper from the Japanese colonial era of Korea. My posts have covered transcriptions and translations of numerous articles, shedding light on the oppression and humiliation experienced by the Korean people under Japanese colonial rule.

My primary source had been an archive on the Internet Archive which was anonymously uploaded there in 2021. However, it had its limitations. Notably, the entire 1945 collection was missing, and many pages were either illegible due to poor scan quality or page deterioration.

I am finally in Seoul, enjoying my much-postponed vacation. While I am indulging in the delightful food scene and visiting the main tourist attractions, the highlights of my trip so far have been meeting my old violin teacher Mr. Simon Kim, whom I had last met 34 years ago as an elementary school, and spending a day at the National Library of Korea. To many, a library might not be a tourist attraction, but for me, it was a treasure trove. I was eager to see how the tone of Keijo Nippo evolved through 1945, marking the surrender of Imperial Japan, the liberation of Korea, and the onset of the US and Soviet occupation of the Korean peninsula.

I am elated to share that I successfully accessed the newspaper volumes I sought. With the assistance of the English-speaking staff, I obtained a library card, and after an hour-long wait, I was handed the volumes in the reference room on the third floor. However, I discovered that these volumes were just reproductions of scanned copies, and not the original copies. Nonetheless, some pages were of superior quality compared to the Internet Archive. I also managed to scan numerous articles from 1939 to 1943. Unfortunately, the 1944 articles were generally of poorer quality than those on the Internet Archive.

The volumes of Keijo Nippo that I browsed.

The pages from August 15, 1945, onwards were particularly moving. This period marked the day of Korean liberation and the surrender of Imperial Japan. The newspaper's tone shifted dramatically, from calls for calm to announcements of Japanese repatriation, to becoming a mouthpiece for the American occupation. The stark contrast in the portrayal of Americans, from being vilified to celebrated, was striking.

But the most astonishing discovery was from November 1945. The Korean employees at Keijo Nippo apparently rebelled against their Japanese superiors and took over the newspaper's operations. As the ethnic Japanese staff bid their farewells in their statement in the November 1st issue, the Korean staff issued a statement in the November 2nd issue, pledging to continue writing in Japanese but with a renewed purpose - to uplift the Korean nation. This "Rogue Keijo Nippo" introduced many novelties, like Korean cartoons, which had never been in Keijo Nippo before, and they subtly Koreanized the Japanese language that they used. For example, they used 日人 instead of 日本人 for Japanese, and used 美軍 instead of 米軍 for US military. The rogue columnists wrote lots of essays directed at the remaining ethnic Japanese who were still not repatriated, condemning the "Japanese-Korean unification" ideology, Japanese imperialism and militarism, and Japanese supremacism that they had to endure for all these years. It seemed like they were expressing their pent-up frustrations and emotions that had been suppressed for a long time. Indeed, they were certainly harnessing their mastery of the Japanese language to tell us their true feelings for the first time. It did personally feel uncanny, since it felt like I was opening a time capsule, and I was discovering a message that was addressed to me, as if they wanted their voice to be heard in our world in 2023.

Many pages were like this, completely illegible

I amassed a sizeable collection of snapshots of newspaper pages, but I will gradually transcribe and translate all my intriguing finds as time allows. I extend my gratitude to the library staff who were accommodating, even allowing me to photograph the materials, which was technically prohibited. This was a stark contrast to my experience at the National Diet Library in Tokyo, where photography was strictly forbidden, and I had to use their copy service.

I remain hopeful that these invaluable newspapers will be digitized in high resolution in the future, making them accessible to everyone without the need for a physical visit.

Imperial Japan’s manhunt for the “Communist Bandit Kim Il-Sung” in the late 1930’s was sensationalized in news headlines all over Korea, capturing the imagination of the Korean public under colonial rule

Continuing my exploration of Korean colonial-era newspapers from the 1930s and 1940s, available on the Internet Archive since 2021, I stumbled upon a series of fascinating articles about Kim Il-sung, the future founder of North Korea. Given that many of these details differ significantly from publicly available biographies of Kim Il-sung, I thought this would be of interest to the community here.

It is crucial to understand that these articles were sourced from Gyeongseong Ilbo (also known as Keijo Nippo), the official newspaper of the Imperial Japanese colonial administration, which governed Korea from 1905 to 1945. Though the paper was a propaganda tool, it was also the most widely read newspaper in Korea at the time. Only around 15% of Koreans had the literacy to read the newspaper, but the information would likely have spread through word of mouth.

Here are the noteworthy differences:

1. Kim Il-sung allegedly went to the Soviet Union at age 19 (~1930) for university studies. In contrast, most sources claim he didn't go to the Soviet Union until 1940.
2. The place of Kim Il-sung's birth is listed as either South Hamgyong or North Pyongan, differing from most sources which point to South Pyongan.
3. There are varying accounts of his birth year: ~1901 according to a 1937 article, ~1911 according to the May 1939 article, and ~1909 according to the June 1939 article. Most sources agree he was born in 1912.
4. Kim Il-sung imposter theory: Kim Il-sung was allegedly killed in November 1937. The May 1939 article suggests that Kim Il-sung was killed in 1936, and someone named Kim Young-san may have assumed Kim Il-sung's identity then. However, the June 1939 article appears to downplay this theory. Most modern historians today do not entertain this theory.

I also noted some similarities in the news articles with prevailing North Korean narratives:

1. Both the articles and North Korean narratives agree that Mount Baekdu served as Kim Il-sung's base for anti-Japanese activities during the 1930s.
2. The articles corroborate North Korean claims that Kim Il-sung's father, Kim Hyong-jik, was involved in the independence movement and was executed for it.

The copy of the June 1939 article from the Internet Archive was largely illegible, but I was able to decipher sections discussing Kim Il-sung and O Paek-ryong, a future high-ranking general of North Korea. O Paek-ryong (오백룡, 呉白龍) is depicted as defiant towards colonial authorities, even demanding they pay taxes to him instead of the other way around.

Here is what I could understand from the faded text: A colonial official was said to have sent a letter to O Paek-ryong asking him to pay his taxes (いい加減にもう年貢を収めたらどうか？). In response, O Paek-ryong sent back a letter asking them to pay taxes to him instead, and that they were a pathetic bunch of people whose days were numbered (お前達こそいい加減にもう年貢を収めたらどうか？余命幾許も無いお前達は実に哀れなものだ). Between May 20, 1939 and June 16, 1939, the bandits made incursions into Korea at four locations and had 11 skirmishes with colonial security forces. 2-3 days prior to June 16, 1939, they also assaulted a bus and killed 3 ethnic Japanese people, stole some gold items, and set fire to the bus with gasoline.

I am planning a visit to the National Library of Korea later this month to examine physical copies of Keijo Nippo and satiate my curiosity about the late 1944 to 1945 issues. However, if there is community interest in the 1939 mentions of Kim Il-sung and his comrades, I will certainly prioritize that during my upcoming trip.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) November 18, 1937

The suffering of the residents along the Korean-Manchurian border is now resolved: Communist Bandit Kim Il-Sung's Death

Statement by the Korean Army Office on November 17th - Kim Il-sung has long been residing on the opposite bank of the Yalu River in Changbai and Fusong Counties. Under the incitement of the Comintern, he has been advocating communism to the local residents and making efforts to cultivate anti-Manchukuo and anti-Japanese sentiments. At times, he has carried out slaughter and pillage, causing suffering to innocent people. Sometimes, he hatches treacherous plans against the Japanese-Manchurian forces, thereby significantly threatening the public order in Manchukuo. According to sources, on November 13th, a Manchurian anti-bandit squad confirmed Kim Il-sung's location, attacked him, and after five hours of fierce fighting, finally beheaded him, singing a song of triumph.

If this is indeed true, not only the residents who have long suffered under his oppression will rejoice, but the Korean Army authorities, who have a great concern for public order along the Korean-Manchurian border, will be filled with indescribable joy. Respect is expressed for the hard work and effort of the Manchurian anti-bandit squad.

Father and Son Across Two Generations of Treachery: The Mastermind of the Attack on Pochonbo

Is he a hero of the verdant woods? Who was Kim Il-sung, who traversed the eastern borderlands? He was said to be born in South Hamgyong or, according to some theories, in South Pyeongan. According to the investigation of the border police, the South Hamgyong theory is more credible, and beyond that, his origins are unclear — a fitting background for a bandit. From a young age, Kim Il-sung crossed the border with his father, based himself in the eastern borderlands, started a revolutionary movement, and became its leader. As the revolutionary movement expanded across the river, red devils appeared behind the scenes, inciting them with communist thought.

Tainted red, at around the age of 19, Kim Il-sung snuck into Moscow, the Mecca of the People's Front. He spent ten months in Russia, where he studied at a communist university, and furthermore joined the Red Army, becoming a practitioner of anti-Japanese activities. As soon as the Manchurian Incident broke out, he returned immediately to the eastern border, joined forces with bandit groups led by leaders such as Wang Fengge (王鳳閣) and Cao Guo'an (曹国安), and started an anti-Manchurian and anti-Japanese army, disrupting the border. Kim Il-sung, the only intellectual among the bandits, rapidly rose to become the leader of his comrades, and he stubbornly continued anti-Manchurian activities for about six years. The name "Communist Bandit Kim Il-sung" echoed throughout Manchukuo, often troubling the anti-bandit squads. Notably this spring, he attacked Pochonbo on the second line of the South Hamgyong border, resulting in several casualties among the brave Hyesan Police who were staunchly defending the border.

Kim Il-sung, who continued anti-Japanese and anti-Manchurian activities for two generations with his father, was finally cornered by the brave anti-bandit squad, and at the age of 36, his life of turbulence came to a close, putting an end to his evil dreams.

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) May 28, 1939

Bandit Tales: Child of Destiny, Kim Il-Sung

A Focus on Recent Guerrilla Tactics

**Foreword**

When we hear that bandits have appeared in North Hamgyong, those unfamiliar with the situation immediately seem to think that these bandits are operating in the hills behind Chongjin, but it is by no means a laughing matter. There was a time when a large bandit raid occurred deep in Musan and was reported in bold headlines in the newspapers. As a result, we received letters of sympathy all the way from mainland Japan. Several years have passed since then, but bandits have once again invaded the border of North Hamgyong by circling around Baekdu Mountain from the South Hamgyong border area. They have clashed with the security forces for several days. Chief of Police Tsui recently stated, "Since people unfamiliar with local conditions may think that the bandits have invaded areas like Chongjin or Rason, I want things to be clearly reported to avoid misunderstandings. I do not think it is good to give the general impression that North Hamgyong is an unsafe place in terms of public order, as this would not be conducive to the progress of North Hamgyong." Apparently, the general public perception about the "bandits of North Hamgyong" is inadequate.

Generally speaking, it is regrettable that there is even temporary bandit activity around the Korea-Manchuria border, which is lauded as the "royal road to paradise." At a time when the whole country is working to construct a New Asia, and the glorious song of the advance army of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is playing loudly, when viewed from the grand scheme of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, the issues in that region, which is but a small corner, may seem trivial like so many insignificant orchids, but they are not without problems. However, we must say that the repeated occurrence of these ill-fated incidents disrupting public order in this small corner of our continental forward base is a serious matter. But when all is said and done, this represents the last gasp of breath for these bandits whose days are numbered on the land of Chongjin.

Now then, what is the current situation of these bandits who are disruptors of the peace in the Korean-Manchurian region, and who are detestable enemies of culture? What is their lineage? Organization? Strongholds? Recent activities? Let us attempt to explain these various issues a little. (North Hamgyong News Bureau)

**Structure and Organization**

While we do not have detailed information about the structure and organization of these bandits, they are generally part of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. Below that are the First to Fourth Route Armies, which have First to Sixth Armies under them. Each army further divides into divisions and regiments. Today's bandits are by no means a rabble. They have a proper military organization and display considerable discipline, training, equipment, and coordination. The bandits that are active in the dense forests across from North and South Hamgyong are primarily under Yang Jingyu (楊靖宇) and include a faction led by Kim Il-sung. Yang Jingyu, a Manchu, is a formidable character who holds a military commander's position. Yang Jingyu has made Tonghua, Jilin, Huanan, Ning'an, and Dunhua among others his strongholds, and has single-handedly controlled northeastern Manchuria. He himself has become the commander of his First Army, appointed An Guangxun (安光薫) as the political leader and Kim Se-Hyung (김세형, 金世衡) as the chief of staff. Leading from the First Division to the Sixth Division, he reigns supreme, acting like a king of the verdant woods with great aplomb.

Kim Il-sung, who attacked Pochonbo in South Hamgyong last year and committed murder using every possible means, is currently waging combat against our suppression squad after invading North Hamgyong from the South Hamgyong border area again today. Kim Il-sung is Yang's trusted subordinate and heads the Sixth Division. He is just 28 years old. Kim Il-sung has an extremely violent nature, and he is very familiar with the conditions within Korea due to his numerous raids. He is disrupting public order by appearing and disappearing as if he were at home in the dense forests of Baekdu Mountain. Born on the Korean Peninsula in Gapsan, South Hamgyong, his father was a leader of the Manse Demonstration and was executed. He is thus a child of destiny. His nationalist ideology was inherited from his parents. He was raised by his uncle after moving to the eastern borderlands at a young age. His inherently violent nature eventually led him to join the group of bandits, and he is now on the path to his own destruction, chasing an unending illusory dream. Such has been the strange course of his life thus far.

There are some reports suggesting that Kim Il-sung was shot and killed by Manchurian troops in Huadian County in November 1936, and so a Korean named Kim Young-san (김영산, 金永山) succeeded him as the second Kim Il-sung, but the details are not clear. Yang Jingyu has also organized a so-called Second Front Army to disrupt the Korea-Manchuria border. Its command structure includes Yang Jingyu as commander, Kim Il-sung as the direct army chief, and Lin Shuishan (林水山) as chief of staff. They have under them the 7th to 10th regiments, as well as other guerrilla units, amounting to about 700 men in total.

These organized groups maintain consistent organic contact, and it goes without saying that the Comintern is manipulating them behind the scenes. A recent trend worth noting is their astonishing shift towards communism. They now refrain from unnecessary killings and brutality, and have shifted towards a trend of ideologically appealing to good citizens in order to win them over. (To be continued)

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) June 16, 1939

Patrolling the Anti-Bandit Frontlines

Report from North Hamgyong News Bureau (2)

The Legendary Kim Il-Sung: Certainly an Aura of Tension Among the Three Leaders

[...] That night, under the kerosene lamp of the Eiya Inn, the conversation became lively when discussing the topic of bandits. Because we were actually on the ground where it all happened, the stories that we heard were accompanied by a sobering sense of reality (the speakers were Police Chief Tsutsui, Senior Section Chief Miwa, and the journalists).

"Who exactly is this man called Kim Il-sung? According to one theory, he has not actually existed as a real person ever since he was killed by the security forces in the eastern borderlands last year..."

"No, he is indeed a real person. Just a few years ago, a newspaper reporter visited his base and met him. Although he did not appear in any photos, the article 'Meeting Kim Il-sung' was published in a newspaper and caused quite a sensation."

"That might have been a bit hard to believe. However, he undoubtedly exists as a real person. It was said that he is from Gapsan in South Hamgyong, but actually, he is apparently from North Pyeongan. In his childhood, his father was executed due to his participation in the Manse Demonstration. After that, he took up his father's mantle, ran into nationalist movements, and became a bandit. He is a somewhat pitiful child of destiny. However, he is only about thirty years old and holds a position equivalent to a division commander among the bandits, so he is certainly an extraordinary person."

"The next guest coming here is said to be the boss of this Kim Il-sung, a man named O Paek-ryong (오백룡, 呉白龍). O Paek-ryong is said to be located around [illegible] now. How about it, would anyone have the courage to go and write an article like 'Meeting O Paek-ryong'? It would certainly be a big scoop these days."

[...]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1937年11月18日

鮮満国境住民の苦悩今や解消：共産匪金日成の死

朝鮮軍当局談＝十七日朝鮮軍当局談＝金日成匪は予て鴨緑対岸長白、撫松県に蟠居しコンミンテルンの使嗾の下に所在の住民に対し共産主義を鼓吹し反満抗日的機運の醸成に努め或いは殺戮掠奪の限りを尽くして無辜の民を苦しめ、時としては日満軍に対して不逞を策するので満州国の治安を著しく脅威しありしか、情報によれば去る十三日満軍討匪隊は金日成の所在を確かめ、之を攻撃し激戦五時間の後、遂にその首級をあげ凱歌を奏したり。

果して然らば久しく彼らの桎桔下に苦悩せし住民の喜びは元より、鮮満国境の治安に大なる関心を有する朝鮮軍当局の喜びに堪えざる所にして満州討匪隊の苦心と努力に対し敬意を表する次第である。

父子二代の不逞：普天堡襲撃の張本

緑林の英雄？として東辺道を股にかけた金日成とはどんな男か。彼の生れは咸南と云い、或いは平南出身との説があり、国境警察官の調べによると咸南説が有力で、それ以上は判明しないと云う匪賊らしい生立ちである。金日成は幼時、父につれられ越境し、東辺道を根拠とし、〇〇革命運動を起こし、金日成はその首領となっていた〇〇運動が対岸に拡大するにつれて赤色魔が彼らの背後に現れ共産思想を煽りたてた。

赤色に染まった金日成は十九歳ころ人民戦線のメッカ、モスコーに潜入。在露十ヶ月、この間に共産大学に学び、更に赤衛軍に入隊。反日運動の実践者となった。満州事変勃発するや直ぐに東辺道に帰り、王鳳閣、曹国安等の匪賊団と聯合し、ここに反満抗日軍を起こし国境線を荒し廻っていた。緑林唯一のインテリ金日成の勢力は忽ち仲間の首魁に押され約六ヶ年に亘って、頑強に反満運動を続け『共匪金日成』の名は全満州に響き亘り討伐隊をしばしば困らせ、殊に今春、咸南の国境は第二線普天堡を襲撃し、これがため勇敢に国境線を死守した恵山鎮署員にも数名の犠牲者を出した程であった。

父子二代に亘って抗日反満を続けた金日成も勇敢な討伐隊に追い詰められ、遂に三十六歳を一期に悪の夢を清算、波瀾ある生涯の幕をとじた。

京城日報 1939年5月28日

匪賊物語：宿命の子、金日成

注目すべき最近の薪戦術

まえがき

咸北に匪賊が出た、というと事情を知らぬ人は直ぐ、清津の裏山にでもやって来てボシボシやっているように思うらしいが、決して笑い話ではない。嘗つて茂山のずっと奥地で大がかりな匪襲事件があって新聞にデカデカと報道された時には遠く内地方面から清津に見舞状がやって来たものだという。それから幾年、匪賊は最近又しても咸南国境方面から白頭山岳を迂回して咸北国境に侵入し、警備隊とここ数日前来、衝突交戦しているが、筒井警察部長はこの前、『内地の事情を知らぬ人達はまた清津、羅南附近にでも侵入したかの如く考えるかも知れないから、この点誤解のないように報道して貰いたい。咸北はどうも治安上面白くない所だ、というような印象を一般に与えることは躍進咸北の為によろしくないと思うから』と語っていたが、事程さように『咸北の匪賊』というものに対する一般の認識は足りないのである。

だいたい王道楽土を謳歌している日（鮮）満国境あたりに、かりそめにも匪賊の蠢動があるなどということは残念なことである。今、国を挙げて新亜細亜の建設に奮いたち、東亜大陸に華々しい興亜の進軍隊が高らかに奏でられている時、興亜の大局から見て猫額大の一角に過ぎないあの地域に出没する数々たる雛蘭の如き凡そ問題ではないが、しかし我が大陸前進基地たる領土の一角の治安を紊るこの種の不祥事件が繰り返されるということは由々しき大事であるといわねばならない。しかしそれは所詮、余命幾許もない彼等にとって清津の地の最後のあがきであるが。

さて、この鮮満治安の攪乱者であり憎むべき文化の敵である匪賊の現勢はどうか。系統は。組織は。根城は。最近の出没状況は。等々の問題について少し解説を試みよう。（咸北支局生）

系統と組織

彼等匪賊の系統、組織は詳かではないが、大体、東北抗日連合軍を根幹としてその下に第一路軍から第四路軍があり、その下に第一軍から第六軍があって、又その下に師団、その下が団、連に分れている。匪賊と雖も今日の匪賊は決して烏合の衆ではない。以上のように立派に軍隊式な編成を有し規律、訓練、装備、連絡などに侮り難いものがある。咸南北対岸の密林地帯を根城にして躍動する賊は主として楊靖宇匪の配下で金日成の一味であると見てよい。この楊靖宇という奴は満人だが相当の強か者で第一路の軍総司令、謂わば軍司令官格である。楊靖宇は通化、吉林、樺南、寧安、敦化等を根城に東北満を一手にその手中におさめ、自らその第一軍の軍長となり政主に安光薫を、参謀長に金世衡を配し、第一師から第六師を率いて天晴れ緑林の王者気取りで君臨している。

昨年咸南の普天堡を襲って凶殺の限りを尽くし、今日又咸南国境方面から咸北に侵入して我が討伐隊と交戦中の金日成匪の頭目。金日成はこの楊靖宇の懐刀で第六師長（師団長格）、まだ二十八の青年である。彼は非常に凶暴な性格をもち、前後数十回に亘る襲撃事件によって鮮内の状況に精通し、白頭山岳のあの密林の中を恰も我家の如く出没しては治安を攪乱しているのである。それに彼はもともと半島人であり咸南甲山の生まれで、その父は過ぐる万歳騒ぎ事件の巨魁で死刑となった。いわば彼は生まれながらにして宿命の子であった。彼の民族主義イデオロギーは先天的な親譲りのものである。幼少の許にして東辺道に渡り、叔父の許に育ったが生来の凶暴性は遂に嘗つて匪賊の群に投ぜしめ醒めやらぬ迷夢を追って自ら破滅への道を辿っている、というのが数奇な彼の半生なのであった。

一説には過ぐる昭和十一年十一月樺甸県で満軍討伐隊に射殺されたので金永山、半島人なる者が第二の金日成としてその後を継いだともいわれているが詳かではない。楊靖宇匪は又、第二方面軍というものを編成して鮮満国境の攪乱を企てている。今その編成を見ると総司令が楊靖宇で、その直系の軍長に金日成を、参謀長に林水山を配し、第七団から第十団まで三団を配下として他に遊撃隊を配し、その総勢は約七百名の多数に上っている。

以上の系統組織は常に有機的な連絡を保ち、しかもその背後にはコミンテルンが糸を操っていることはいうまでもない。近時注目すべき傾向は彼等の驚くべき赤色化である。必要以上の殺伐凶暴はやらぬが、思想的に良民に呼びかけてこれを獲得するというような傾向に移行して来たことである（つづく）

京城日報 1939年6月16日

討匪戦線縦走

咸北支局生 （２）

伝説めく金日成：さすがに緊迫感漂う三長

[...] この夜、旅舎、栄屋の洋灯の下で又しても匪賊の話がはずんだ。ここは矢張り現地であるだけに聞く話も非常に実感が伴って来る（語る人は、筒井警察部長、三輪高等課長と記者団）。

「金日成という男はいったいどんな男だろうかね？一説には先年東辺道で討伐軍に殺されて以来、実在の人間では無いなどと言われているようだが...」

「いや立派に実在の人間なんだ。現に数年前ある新聞記者がその本拠を訪ねて会っている。写真にも出なかったが確かに、金日成に逢うの記...というのが新聞に載って大きなセンセイションを掻き起したことがある」

「そいつは少し眉唾ものでは無かったかね。併し、実在の人間には違いない。彼の出身地は咸南甲山だといわれていたが、本当は平北だそうだ。幼少の頃、父は万歳騒ぎで死刑になったが、それから彼は父の衣鉢をついで民族主義運動に走り匪賊となった。いわば奴は哀れなる宿命の子なんだね。しかしまた三十そこそこだそうだが、匪賊の面目として師団長格なんだから相当な傑物には違いないね」

「今度お越しのお客さんは、この金日成の親分で、呉白龍という奴だそうだ。呉白龍はいま[??]附近にいるそうだが、どうかね、一つ呉白龍に会うの記でも書いたら。確かに、近頃大したスクープだが誰か行って見る勇気は無いか？」

[...]

[Sources]

普天堡の戦い - Wikipedia

https://www.archive.org/details/kjnp-1937-11-18

https://www.archive.org/details/kjnp-1939-05-28

https://www.archive.org/details/kjnp-1939-06-16

 

Imperial Japanese colonial regime instilled intense fear and paranoia among Koreans by forcing them to listen to this 20-minute radio broadcast mobilizing the entire nation in counter-espionage to snitch on each other even for complaining about food shortages (July 1943)

It's been just over 80 years since a terrifying radio broadcast was delivered to the entirety of the Korean nation on July 13th, 1943. Considering this milestone, I felt it timely to share a translated transcript of that very broadcast, offering a window into the intense atmosphere of fear and paranoia that pervaded Korea during Imperial Japanese rule.

Police Chief Tange delivering the 20-minute radio broadcast at 7:30pm on July 13, 1943.

Its significance cannot be understated; it's highly likely that every Korean at the time was compelled to listen to this 20-minute address by Police Chief Tange. If you're Korean, think about it – your ancestors probably sat anxiously in front of the radio, absorbing every word of this speech that day.

In the article, I've highlighted specific passages, including those where the audience is directly encouraged to report on one another. There's a detailed elaboration on the activities that colonial officials were most concerned about – these descriptions provide keen insights into what the regime perceived as threats, thereby revealing what resistance movements were likely attempting at the time. It's truly awe-inspiring to consider that resistance activists managed to operate within Korea despite the overwhelming climate of dread and suspicion enforced by such broadcasts.

The contents of this radio broadcast are quite alarming. Koreans were integrated into Aegukban (Patriotic Groups), eerily similar to the Imperial Japanese Tonari-gumi or North Korean inminban institutions. These were essentially neighborhood cells comprising a few households. Each cell was overseen by a leader who made sure everyone complied with regime orders. On that evening of the broadcast, every Korean, as part of their respective Patriotic Group, was presumably gathered to listen in. While the broadcast was in Japanese, a language only approximately 15% of Koreans would have understood, assistants would have likely been translating the words into Korean on the spot for the broader populace.

The broadcast discussed matters of grave national importance, chiefly focusing on thwarting espionage activities. Alarmingly, even expressing discontent about food shortages was deemed a reportable offense. It's not hard to visualize the palpable tension, with everyone wary of their own words and their neighbor's actions.

For those interested, I'm also sharing a link to another radio broadcast that touches on similar themes of espionage and counter-resistance, though it's notably less intense in tone than this one. It provides another lens through which to understand the era's narratives and anxieties.

I understand that sharing propaganda from this period can be contentious. However, I believe it is important to shed light on the profound sense of fear and paranoia that pervaded Korea during that era. It's only fitting that we remember the psychological suffering the Korean nation endured at that time. By revisiting these primary sources – propaganda radio broadcasts from the time – we gain a deeper understanding of the atmosphere that Koreans of that time lived in.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) July 14, 1943

Total War and Civilian Counter-Espionage Defense (Broadcast by Director Tange of the Police Affairs Bureau)

The enemy's dagger is near at hand

Devote yourselves to the spirit of "Ever on the Battlefield"!

The Counter-Espionage Defense Week for the annihilation of the US and Britain has been set up under a 25 million-strong ironclad regime, launching a major offensive simultaneously across all of Korea on July 13th. Director Tange of the Police Affairs Bureau delivered a broadcast entitled "Total War and Civilian Counter-Espionage Defense" for twenty minutes from 7:30 pm on July 13th. He explained the importance of unarmed strategy in counter-espionage warfare and how it can sway modern warfare, encouraging the entire Korean peninsula to rise up against the enemy's network of schemes. The following is the essence of his broadcast. [Photo = Director Tange of the Police Affairs Bureau broadcasting]

Today, as we begin the Counter-Espionage Defense Week across all of Korea, I wish to express my thoughts and ask for the serious attention of all citizens. A year and a half has quickly passed since we received the Imperial Rescript declaring war. During this period, under the Great Authority of the Emperor, the splendid victories of our Imperial military are unparalleled in world history, and our country is now establishing an invincible regime across all of East Asia, on the verge of building a Co-Prosperity Sphere.

However, the last counterattack of the doomed US and Britain, fueled by their fully matured material civilization, is making a desperate struggle, revealing the true nature of their bestial brutality. The fight is becoming extremely harsh and intense. It reveals the unique aspects of modern total war that mobilizes all of human intelligence and manpower, not allowing any citizen, whether on the front lines or on the home front, to abstain from the battle.

The prominent characteristic of modern warfare is that it is not just a battle of military strength, but a fight that covers the entire nation, pitting the full strength of its people against each other. All methods that can be conceived using all human knowledge and ability are employed. The material and human elements of a nation are all mobilized for the war without exception. Everything is a weapon, and everyone is a soldier. Therefore, in this context, we who are the citizens under wartime must discern the essence of this modern total war, reflect on our daily lives, discipline ourselves, and raise our spirits. In terms of "counter-espionage defense," I believe that it is necessary to deepen our understanding and put more into practice at this time.

What is counter-espionage defense? As it is already known, it is "preventing enemy intelligence activities" and "suppressing enemy conspiratorial activities." "Intelligence activities" and "spy warfare" are not new issues; they have always been conducted alongside armed warfare and considered an important element of war. As stated in ancient military texts, "If you know your enemy and yourself, you will win every battle." Efforts to "know the enemy" have been made through methods such as stealth or deceptive strategies and have produced many stories in the long history of warfare which adorn the pages of important military texts.

Therefore, the efforts to prevent and suppress these, that is, "counter-espionage defense," is not a matter that was brought up only in modern times. However, the reason why it is being propagated so loudly today and is demanding strict practice from the citizens is indeed a natural consequence of the essence of modern total war, which mobilizes all citizens as fighting soldiers.

In past wars, as in the Battles of Shizugatake or Sekigahara, everything was decided by a confrontation between two armies in a confined battlefield, armed with swords and spears. The activities of spies to "know the numbers" were mainly to detect enemy forces, formations, and tactics, and they were sufficient. Therefore, efforts to prevent them, or the "counter-espionage defense," were able to achieve their goals with mere military discipline, such as preventing enemy spies from infiltrating the camp and strictly maintaining secrecy among the soldiers.

However, in modern warfare, everything and everyone are elements of war, and the war is not necessarily fought only on what is called the front line, but is fought both domestically and abroad. Therefore, enemy intelligence activities are not just directed at the movements of armies and vessels on the front line, but they infiltrate deeply into the homeland, casting a thorough investigative eye over all the physical capabilities of the state, or in other words, over every field spanning industry, economy, finance, transportation, communication, etc., ranging from the production of military needs and weapons by the state to the daily consumption of food by the average family. They also pay sharp attention to the war capabilities of the people, or in other words, the organization of conscription mobilization, the composition of productive labor, and even the degree of uplift in war consciousness, and the completeness of the home front wartime system, etc.

These enemy spies, having obtained various pieces of intelligence in this way, communicate them quickly and effectively to their allies by shortwave radio and other methods, providing information for their operational tactics. This is indeed the original mission of spies, which should be called intelligence activities. However, the essence of modern total war does not limit spy activities to such passive intelligence activities, but further requires the development of aggressive conspiratorial activities. In other words, in modern warfare, spy activities have moved beyond merely detecting military and national intelligence, which are indirect and passive activities, to direct, proactive activities aimed at reducing and destroying the military power of the opposing country, in other words, all its physical and human capabilities.

In other words, they are trying to destroy physical capabilities by setting fire to and destroying important factories and mines, instigating strikes and sabotage, disrupting railway traffic, and so on, which result in reducing productivity, causing material losses, and hindering transportation and logistics. They do not care about their targets or their choice of methods, and even adopt extremely calculated malicious methods, such as causing chaos in the financial world. They further aim to disturb the financial sector, plunge the economic function into chaos, counterfeit and disseminate paper money, hoard and withhold goods, exaggerate and spread false information about high prices and shortages, all these are extremely calculated and malicious tactics.

On the other hand, they aim to lower human resources, overstate the enemy's power to induce fear in our citizens, spread rumors that cause doubt about our war achievements, and disrupt the government's leadership of the people, spreading defeatist sentiments by various means. They may even resort to spreading toxic substances or disease-causing bacteria in cities and other important places, threatening the lives and health of non-combatant citizens without any regard for the cruelty of their methods.

With the rise or fall of the state at stake, and as we now carry out this all-out war, it is natural to imagine that the devilish hands of enemy spies have infiltrated into the home front of wartime Japan, aiming to target each and every one of our daily lives with their relentless cruelty. They also focus their efforts on the Korean Peninsula, a crucial forward base for advancing into the Asian continent and an essential foundation for establishing the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Their natural objective is to investigate, disrupt, and destroy the economic and military value of the Korean peninsula.

Considering that it has been just over thirty years since the annexation of the Korean peninsula, and the process of Imperial assimilation is still in its early stages, this creates a fragility in ideological unity. Enemies see this as the greatest vulnerability of Japan and, as such, they pour all their efforts into espionage activities here. They persistently attempt intelligence gathering and propaganda behind the scenes in the Korean Peninsula, striving desperately to weaken its military power. This is, of course, to be expected. In fact, this has been proven true. The numerous spy incidents that we have detected and suppressed by our own hands, both in terms of quantity and the cunning and nefarious nature of their plots, truly defy common imagination.

These spies disguise themselves as good citizens, seemingly leading exemplary lives in the home front as loyal subjects of Imperial Japan, doing everything to avoid arousing the suspicion of the public and authorities. Revealing their true identities using ordinary methods is extremely difficult, nearly impossible. People cannot guarantee that they have never before been neighbors with spies, ridden in the same vehicles as spies, or even sat in front of spies. There may be some who have unknowingly revealed important state secrets to these spies, believing them to be close friends. Phrases in our battle instructions like "Spies are always near" and slogans like "There's a spy next to you" are not mere scare tactics.

Given this, how should we, each and every one of us in our daily lives, fend off and fight against these these spies who are disguised daggers? The first and foremost fundamental understanding is that each and every citizen is part of the state engaged in total war, and in modern total war, each and every citizen is a counter-espionage soldier. Even when we are on the home front, each of us, in our respective fields, is engaged in a brutal, absolute war of survival against espionage. We must bear in mind that we are all on the battlefields of Attu Island and the Solomon Islands, and only by embracing this understanding and standing together can we truly wage modern war.

Secondly, to physically manifest this understanding and stand together, we must perform our duties wholeheartedly. We must regard our workplace as the battlefield, fully devote ourselves to maintaining the secrecy of our tasks and protecting vital resources. If we push forward to increase the military strength of the state, we will leave no room for spies to operate. Thirdly, we must have absolute trust in the state's measures, not only refraining from discontent and grumbling but also proactively cooperating with the state.

In war, one should always be prepared for death, and suffering and difficulties naturally accompany it. Shortages of supplies and the tightening of daily life are expected consequences of war. To be disheartened by these challenges, to complain about them, and worse, to fall prey to the lies and provocations of spies is utterly unacceptable for the citizens of a nation at war. Every citizen should consider it their duty to endure these hardships without complaint. If people refuse to feel the impact of shortages or express dissatisfaction, then no enemy propaganda, rumors, or tactics such as strategic hoarding or withholding of goods will have any significant effect. Just as soldiers on the front line follow their commanders' orders and bravely charge into deadly situations, every citizen on the home front must faithfully follow the government's policies. With such a resolution, even if spies employ their most cunning tactics, there can be no chance for negative thoughts to take root, like war-weariness or anticipation of defeat.

Fourthly, we must strive to root out the enemy spies among our one hundred million national people. With a fighting spirit of "seek the enemy and destroy," we must consider ourselves as members of a nation constantly at war, even on the streets of daily life. No matter how cunning the spy may be, if we stay vigilant by being on the look out for the spies who have infiltrated among us on the home front, their true identities will be revealed in front of the discerning eyes of a hundred million national people.

We, the people, must relentlessly pay attention to weed out the enemy spies hiding among us. Whether they are beside us, or from within our own Patriotic Groups, if we detect any suspicious or doubtful individuals, we should act like scouts on the battlefield discovering enemy shadows and immediately report them to the police authorities, actively cooperating and assisting in their arrest and investigation. Each of us must consider ourselves as one of the fighting soldiers. Under this awareness, we should pay attention to our health and hygiene, strive to prevent and eradicate infectious diseases, and enhance our physical strength to completely block the enemy's germ warfare tactics. It is an urgent task to fight on the front lines of this counter-espionage war.

Every individual is a member of a nation at war, united both on the front lines and on the home front, committing to the total effort of the state. Each person must deeply understand and be resolved to face their duties and battles as if they were in the trenches, defending to the death. In doing so, there will be no room for enemy spies or their tactics, leaving them without strategy and rendering their efforts inconsequential. Modern total warfare blurs the lines between the front line and the home front, turning everything into a grave battleground. The secretive tactics of spies targeting the home front have become so intricately complex that they defy common imagination, constantly probing into the daily lives of citizens. Especially now, as the US and Britain intensify their counteroffensive strategies in a bid to turn the tides of war, their espionage and strategic warfare become even fiercer day by day. Any momentary lapse in our vigilance can influence the overall strength of our nation. The fate of our Empire equally rests on the shoulders of those at home. Remember that every one of us carries this responsibility. Embrace Admiral Yamamoto's teachings of "Ever on the Battlefield" deep in your hearts, and in honor of the brave souls of Attu Island, be resolved to engage in the war against espionage with an unwavering dedication to victory.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1943年7月14日

総力戦と銃後の防諜 （丹下警務局長放送）

敵の匕首身辺にあり

『常在戦場』の精神に徹せよ！

米英撃滅の防諜週間が二千五百万鉄火の体制に構えられて十三日全鮮一斉に一大進軍を展開したが、丹下警務局長は十三日午後七時半から二十分に亘って”国家総力戦と銃後の防諜”と題し放送。防諜戦が如何に近代戦戦局を左右させるか、その武器なき戦略の重大さを説き半島あげて敵の謀略網撃滅に起ちあがるべきを促した。以下その放送要旨。【写真＝放送する丹下警務局長】

本日より全鮮に亘り防諜週間が実施せらるるに当り、聊か所懐を申し述べ国民各位の深甚なる御留意を煩わしたいと思う。畏くも宣戦の大詔を拝してより早くも一年有半、其の間大御稜威の下、皇軍の赫々たる戦果は世界史上未だ曾て見ざるところであり、我が国は今や大東亜の全域に亘り必勝不敗の体制を確立し共栄圏の建設将に成らんとしつつある。

然し乍ら亡び行く敵米英の最後の反攻はその爛熟せる物質文明の全機能を傾注して死物狂いのあがきを試み、彼等本来の鬼畜の如き残忍性と相俟って闘いは正に苛烈凄愴を極めつつあり、人智人力の一切を挙げて、戦線銃後を問わず国民の如何なる一人をも戦わざるを許さざる近代国家総力戦の特異なる様相を現実に露呈している。

近代戦の著しき特徴は戦が所謂武力戦のみに限定されず、国家の全域を掩うて闘われ、国民の総力を傾倒して相撃つと言うところにあり、其の手段は人類の全知全能を尽くして考え得る総ての方法が使用されると言う處にある。国家の有する物的、人的の要素は其の一物をも余さず、その一人をも残さず悉く戦争に動員せられ、一切の物が兵器であり、総ての人が兵士である。茲に於いてか我我戦時下国民たる者は此の近代総力戦の本質を見極めて、毎日毎日の自己の生活を反省し、規律し、昂揚して行かなければならないのであって、『防諜』と言うことに就いても此際更に認識を深くし、且つ実践して行く必要があると考えるのであります。

防諜とは如何なることであるか。今更申す迄もなく、『敵の諜報活動を防止する』ことであり、『敵の謀略活動を制圧する』ことである。『諜報活動』、『スパイ戦』ということは今に始まった問題ではなく、昔からの戦のある處必ずこれに伴って行われ、武力戦に併行して戦争の重要な要素を成していたと考えられるのである。『敵を知り己を知る者は百戦百勝す』と古の兵書にも説いてある如く、『敵を知る』ための努力は或いは忍びの術となり、或いは反間苦肉の策となって古今幾多の戦史に纏綿する物語を産み、戦書の重要なる頁を飾る處である。

従って此等を防ぎ制圧せんとする努力、即ち『防諜』ということも亦必ずしも現代に至って初めて採り揚げられた事柄ではない。然るにこれが今日の如く喧しく宣伝せられ、国民に向かって厳重なる実践を要求せらるるに至った所以は、実に近代総力戦の本質が国民の総てを戦う兵士として動員するということから当然帰結せられた要請である。

即ち昔の戦争は、仮令賤ヶ岳とか、関ケ原とか言う様な一定の限定された戦域、戦野に於いて両軍が刀槍の間に対峙し相撃つことに依って総ての勝敗が決定せられた故に『数を知る』スパイの活動も専ら敵の兵力、布陣乃至は戦術と言うようなことの探知を以て事足り、従って之を防ぐ『防諜』の努力も陣営に於ける、敵諜者の潜入防止とか、兵士の秘密厳守等単なる戦陣軍律を以て其の目的を達し得た。

然るに近代戦に於いては一切の物、一切の人が戦争の要素であり、之を場所的に見ても戦争は必ずしも所謂第一線のみで闘われるとは限らず、国内外を通じて闘われるのである。故に敵の諜報活動も単に戦線に於ける軍隊、艦艇の行動に指向するのみではなく、深く銃後の国内に迄潜行して其の国家の一切の物的能力、言い換えれば産業、経済、金融、交通、通信其の他万般の分野に亘って一国軍需、兵器の生産から、国民一家の日常食糧の消費に至る迄周到なる探査の眼を注ぎ、国家の人的要素たる国民の戦争能力、言い換えれば徴兵動員関係、生産労務の構成、更に進んでは其の戦争意識の昂揚程度、銃後戦時体制の完成如何等に亘り、鋭敏なる聴耳を立てているのである。

而してこれ等敵スパイは斯くして得たる諸般の諜報を短波無電その他の方法を以て迅速効果的に味方に連絡し、これに依ってその作戦戦術の資料たらしむるのであり、これが即ちスパイ本来の使命というべき諜報活動である。然し乍ら近代総力戦の本質は、スパイの活動を単に此の種消極的諜報活動にのみ限定することなく、更に進んで積極的謀略活動の展開を要求するにいたった。即ち近代戦に於けるスパイの活動は単に軍情、国情の探知と言う、云わば間接的受動的なる活動から更に進んで相手国の戦力、言い換えれば其の一切の物的人的能力を減殺壊滅せしめんとする直接的能動的機能を発揚せんとするのである。

即ち物的戦力を破砕せんとして、重要工場、鉱山等の放火、破壊、ストライキ、サボタージュの扇動、鉄道軌道の交通妨害等、苛くも生産力の減殺を結果し、物資の損耗を招来し、交通運輸を阻害することであるならば其の対象を問わず、其の手段を選ばないのであり、更に進んでは金融界を攪乱し、経済機能を混乱に陥し入るる為、或いは紙幣を偽造撒布し、或いは物資の買い溜め、売り惜しみを為し、或いは物価高、物資難を大袈裟に捏造誇張して宣伝流布せしむる等極めて計画的な悪質手段をも採用するのである。

又一方人的戦力の低下を企図し、敵国の戦力を誇大に宣伝して国民の対敵恐怖心を誘発し、自国の戦果発表に対し疑惑を生ぜしむる流言を作為流布して政府の国民指導を混乱に陥入るる等陰陽様々の方法を以て国民の間に厭戦、敗戦思想を醸成蔓延せしめ、甚だしきは都市、其の他の重要個所に毒物、伝染病細菌等を撒布して非戦闘員たる国民の生命、健康に多大の脅威を加うる等、之亦残忍苛酷、方法を選ぶに何らの顧慮するところはない。

国家の興廃を賭し乾坤一擲の大戦争を遂行しつつある今日斯の如き戦慄すべき敵スパイの魔手が戦う日本の銃後に潜入し我々国民の一人一人の日常生活を目標として其の残虐飽く無き跳梁を試みんとし虎視眈々たるものがあることは当然想像せらるるところである。更に翻って我朝鮮半島に対する敵スパイの蠢動如何の問題を検討するに所謂大陸前進兵站基地として、将又大東亜共栄圏確立の基盤として極めて重要なる地位を占むる朝鮮の経済的軍事的価値の探知究明乃至之が攪乱、破壊等は敵側の当然企図すべき重点である。

況んや半島が併合後未だ三十余年、皇化日猶浅しと為し其の思想的団結に脆弱性ありと看做す敵にありては、乗ずべき日本の最大の間隙なりとして、そのスパイ活動の全力を此処にに傾注し、此の朝鮮半島の銃後に執拗なる諜報、宣伝を試み、半島の戦力減殺に必死の努力を為すべきは当然である。現にこの事は事実として顕われ、既往我々の手に依って検挙弾圧せる諸種のスパイ事件は其の件数に於いて其の巧妙悪辣さに於いて実に世人の想像に絶するものがる。

而して此等スパイは一見善良なる市民を偽装し表面的には飽く迄忠良なる皇国臣民として模範なる銃後生活を営み、以て世人、官庁の疑惑を招かざらんことを汲々として之努め、之が正体の暴露は通常の方法を以てしては極めて困難、不可能に近く、一部の人は過去に於いて彼等と軒を連ね、或いは同車、対座した事がないとも保証し得ないのであり、中には全くそのスパイたる事を知らず、之と親密に交友し同時の間にか心を許して之に国家の重要なる機密を洩らしたことがないとも限らない。即ち戦陣訓に言う『諜者は常に身辺にあり』と云う言葉や『君の隣にスパイがいる』等と云う標語の如きは単に徒なるら嚇し文句ではないのである。

斯くの如く我が国民の一人一人が其の日常生活の中に、身近に擬せられた此の敵の匕首―スパイ―之を我々は如何にして防ぎ、如何にして敲き落すべきであろうか。其の第一は、国民の一人一人が総力戦を戦う国家の国民であり、且つ近代国家総力戦に於いては国民の一人一人が防諜戦士であるという認識に徹底することが、先ず肝要な基本観念である。先に述べました如く、我々国民は仮令銃後に在っても各々の職域に於いて特に防諜戦士として喰うか喰われるかの苛烈、絶対の戦争を分担して居るのであり、各自皆アツツ島並びにソロモン群島に連りたる戦場に在ることを明記しなければならないのであって、国民の総てが先ずこの観念に徹しこの気持ちでがっちり手を組むことに依って初めて近代戦争とも成ることが出来るのである。

即ちその具体的現れとして第二に挙ぐべきは職域における挺身奉公の実践である。職域を戦場と心掛け、常在戦場の観念に徹し、全力を傾注して或いは機秘密の保持に或いは重要資源の保護に夫々の持場を死守し、スパイをして窺うべき一分の隙だになからしめ、国家の戦力増進に邁進するならば、如何なるスパイの活動と雖も施すに方法なき筈である。第三は国家の施策に絶対信頼し不平不満をいわぬばかりでなく、進んで之に協力することである。

戦は常に死を期すべきである以上苦痛、困難の伴うは当然にして、況んや物資の不足や日常生活の窮屈化は戦争には当然予想せらるることであって、之に辟易して不平を洩らし、延てはスパイの造言、煽動に乗ぜらるることが如きは戦う国の国民として全くあり得べからざることである。苛くも国民の一人一人がこれを忍び耐えることを以て当然の義務と観念し、不足を感ぜず、不満を口外せざるに於いては如何なる敵の宣伝も、流言も計画的買い溜め、売り惜しみの戦術も些したる効果をも収め得ない筈である。其の他恰も戦線悉くの兵士が司令官の命令に絶対服従し死地に挺身突撃するが如き覚悟を以て銃後総ての国民が政府の施策に信従するに於いては如何にスパイが秘策を施すとも厭戦、敗戦等の悪思想の胚胎するが如きことは絶対にあり得ないのである。

第四には進んで我々一億国民の敵スパイを剔抉することである。求敵必滅の敢闘精神を以て、日常街頭においても不断に戦う国家の一員であることを考え、銃後に潜入せるスパイの発見に心掛くるならば如何に巧妙なるスパイと雖も一億国民の炯眼の前には必ずや終にその正体を暴露するに至る。

国民は我々の中に潜む我々の敵スパイを、自分の隣から、自分の愛国班から摘発し剔抉する為に不断の注意を払い苛も不審、容疑の者あらば恰も戦場に於いて敵影を発見せる斥候の如く、直ちに進んで警察当局に申告し之が逮捕究明に積極的に協力援助すべきである。其他国民各自は戦う兵士の一人であるという覚悟の下に各自その保健、衛生に留意し伝染病の予防撲滅に努め体力の増進を図り敵の細菌戦術を完封する等防諜戦の大一線に敢闘することが刻下喫緊の急務である。

凡ては戦う国家の一員であり、戦線銃後一体の国家総力戦の戦士である事を心底より覚悟認識して職域、戦場に臨み職場を塹壕として死守敢闘するに於いては如何なる敵スパイも如何なる諜報謀略も働くに余地なく施すに策なく何等恐るるに足らない。之を要するに近代国家総力戦は戦線銃後の別なくあげてこれを凄愴なる戦場たらしめ銃後を狙うスパイの秘密戦術は世人の想像を絶する程度に愈々巧妙複雑を加え間断なく国民の日常生活を窺いつつあり、殊に頽勢を一挙に挽回せんとする米英の一大反攻作戦と相呼応してその諜報謀略戦は日一日と苛烈の度を加えつつあるから我々一人一時の油断は、全国家の戦力に影響し、皇国興廃の岐路は等しく銃後国民の双肩に負荷せらるる責任なることを銘記し『常在戦場』山本元帥の遺訓を各自の心とし、アツツ島の英霊に応え参らす覚悟を以て防諜の戦に絶対不敗の努力をなさなければならない。

Source: https://www.archive.org/details/kjnp-1943-07-14