Optimistic news coverage of Syngman Rhee meeting with communist leader Park Heon-young in ‘national unity’ talks, nationwide expansion of People’s Republic of Korea, militant opposition to US-Soviet trusteeship (Nov. 2, 1945)

Continuing with my ongoing exploration of the old newspaper archives from 1945 Korea that I checked out at the National Library of Korea in September 2023, I am taking a closer look at the very first edition of a Japanese language newspaper that was published after being taken over by a group of Korean independence activists. Around November 1st, 1945, Korean employees overthrew their Japanese bosses at Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), the colonial era newspaper that had served as the main propaganda newspaper for the whole of colonial Korea from 1909 to 1945. The Korean independence activists subsequently continued the publication of this newspaper in Japanese with an avowed Korean nationalist editorial stance until December 11th, 1945. As the Korean employees of Keijo Nippo explained in their message to the readers, this was a temporary measure, undertaken while Korean typefaces were being prepared for eventual use.

The articles on the front page of the very first edition published by the Korean activists capture the optimistic zeitgeist that pervaded Korea at the time. Syngman Rhee returned to Korea in October 1945, and lived at Donamjang House, where he had a three-hour discussion with communist party leader Park Heon-Young. As this Wilson Center Working Paper shows, Syngman Rhee was initially open to meeting communists:

When Rhee returned to Korea in October 1945 he continued this pragmatism towards communists, at least initially. Only a few days after he arrived in Seoul, he wrote a letter to his wife, Francesca, and supporters expressing surprise that he had been chosen by Korean leftists to head the nascent Korea People’s Republic (KPR). He wrote that in response he had told them that “it is a high honor to be a communist leader, while Moscow condemns me as anti-communist.” While Rhee was hesitant to actually accept the position offered to him by the KPR he was careful not to alienate any potential supporters, be they communist or not. Rhee understood that communist supporters might prove valuable both in attempts to remove the Soviet Union from the peninsula and also to see off political rivals. 

The newspaper also covers the activities of the People's Republic of Korea, which was a short-lived provisional government, proclaimed on September 6, 1945, that was made up of Committees for the Preparation of Korean Independence (조선건국준비위원회) that were clandestinely formed during Imperial Japanese colonial rule. We see that, by early November, the People's Republic of Korea had established a nationwide presence with branches in all twelve provinces of Korea. On December 12, 1945, the U.S. military shut down the People's Republic of Korea, which subsequently splintered into various People's Committees, some of which later evolved into the modern North Korean state in the North. But in the South, the U.S. military cracked down on these People's Committees in the name of anti-communism, and even went so far as to kill thousands during the Jeju Uprising of 1948.

There is also an anti-trusteeship resolution on the front page. The Allied countries had this idea of placing Korea under a joint trusteeship of the Soviet Union, the U.S., and China for a period before granting full independence, but Koreans largely opposed it, fearing a return to another form of colonial rule. This anti-trusteeship resolution is particularly militant, threatening resistance to the Allied Nations if a trusteeship is implemented. However, the inability to reach a consensus on the issue of trusteeship would later lead to the permanent division of Korea. This excellent video from the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History covers this fight over trusteeship very well.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) November 2, 1945

Political Parties Suddenly Gain Momentum, Pushing for United Front

On the 2nd, Dr. Syngman Rhee Will Make a Significant Statement

As various political parties are taking significant steps toward the creation of a new nation, aiming for the formation of a unified political party, they have established the Independence Promotion Central Council. They have appointed the great leader Dr. Syngman Rhee as the chairman and have been working on concrete plans. Chairman Dr. Syngman Rhee will make an important joint announcement with representatives from various political parties at the Cheondoist Church in Gyeongun-dong, Seoul, at 2 PM on Friday, November 2nd. The details of this announcement are not yet clear, but there are rumors of the return of the head of the provisional government in Chongqing, Mr. Kim Ku. Dr. Rhee's statement is attracting considerable attention, and it is expected to significantly energize the political scene and strengthen the momentum for the formation of a united front.

In Response to the Emergency Situation, More Than Fifty Organizations Convene

Independence Promotion Central Council Centered Around Dr. Rhee

On October 23rd, representatives from over fifty organizations in Seoul gathered at the Chōsen Hotel, centering around Dr. Syngman Rhee. The Independence Promotion Central Council is scheduled to hold a meeting at the Cheondoist Church in Gyeongun-dong on the afternoon of the 2nd. Each organization is to select one representative to attend with a letter of authorization by 1 PM on the same day. Previously, only representatives of the organizations were allowed due to space constraints, but this time, not only the entry of journalists is welcome, but also some observers.

First, National Unity

Important Meeting Between Dr. Rhee and Mr. Park Heon-Young

Dr. Syngman Rhee had a significant meeting with Mr. Park Heon-Young, the leader of the Korean Communist Party, for about three hours at Donamjang House on the afternoon of the 31st. They completely agreed on unifying the entire nation, excluding pro-Japanese factions and sweeping away the remnants of Japanese imperialism, under the principles of progressive democracy.

Formation of the People's Committee Gyeonggi Provincial Branch

While taking a cautious approach to the delicate domestic and international situation, and putting all of its effort into its regional organizations, the Central People's Committee of the People's Republic of Korea has completed the formation of branches in twelve provinces, with keen public attention on Gyeonggi Province. A founding meeting is set to be held at the Jeongno Youth Hall at 11 AM on November 10th. With this, the regional network of the People's Republic is expected to be completed. The solidarity preparatory contact office for the organization is temporarily located in the Mundang Building in Anguk-dong, Seoul, the headquarters of the Seoul Municipal People's Committee.

Opposition to Trusteeship

Korean People Rise in Unison

Opposition Committee Publishes a Resolution

In response to the news of Korea's potential trusteeship, the Korean people have collectively risen in opposition. The Korea Trusteeship Opposition Committee, comprising various political parties and organizations, has passed the following resolutions and will send them to the United Nations and its president:

1. On behalf of the thirty million Korean people, demand the United Nations and the international conference to completely revoke the resolution on the trusteeship of Korea.
2. Recognize Korea as a fully independent nation with a history of five thousand years, rapidly establish a democratic nation, and seek cooperation with the Allied Nations and the United Nations for equal international diplomacy.
3. Urge all countries of the world to maintain unity, eternal freedom, and peace under the Monroe Doctrine.
4. Express the utmost respect and gratitude to the United States, Britain, China, and the Soviet Union of the United Nations for liberating Korea.
5. If the above points 1 and 2 are not acknowledged, the thirty million Koreans will resist the Allied Nations and the United Nations to the end of the world, until the last person, for the complete liberation and establishment of an independent state.

This resolution, signed by representatives of various political parties and organizations within Korea, will be proclaimed to the heads of the Allied Nations (United States, United Kingdom, China, and the Soviet Union) and the United Nations.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年11月2日

俄然活気帯ぶ各政党

合同戦線へ推進

二日、李承晩博士が重大声明

新国家建設へその巨歩を踏みつつある各政党では統一政党の期成を目標に其の間、独立促成中央協議会を結成。偉大なる指導者李承晩博士を会長に推戴し、連日其の具体案を作成中であったが、会長李承晩博士は十一月二日（金曜日）午後二時府内慶雲町天道教堂に於いて各政党代表者と会同、重大声明を発表する。この発表内容はまだはっきりしないが、重慶の臨時政府主席金九先生の帰国説も伝わる。この際、李博士の声明は非常に注目され、これを機に政界は俄然活気を帯び、合同戦線結成の気運が濃厚である。

非常時局に対処し、五十余団体会同

李博士中心に独立促成協議会

十月二十三日、李承晩博士を中心として、在京五十余団体代表者が朝鮮ホテルに参集。結成された独立促成中央協議会では二日午後二時から市内慶雲洞天道教講堂で協議会を開く予定であるが、各団体から代表者一人づつを選定し、委任状を携帯、同日午後一時まで会場に参議することを要望している。前には場所関係で団体代表者の入場だけを許可したが、今度は新聞記者の入場は勿論、一部の傍聴までも歓迎するとのことである。

先ず民族の統一

李博士朴憲永氏と重要会談

李承晩博士は昨日三十一日午後五時敦岩荘に於いて朝鮮共産党首領朴憲永氏と約三時間に亘り民族統一に関して重大会談を遂げたが、進歩的民主主義原則の下、日本帝国主義残滓勢力を掃蕩し親日派を除外した全民族を統一することに意見が完全に一致した。

人民委員会京畿道支部結成

国内外の微妙な情勢に慎重な態度を取る一方、国内の地方組織に全力を傾注している朝鮮人民共和国中央人民委員会各道支部は通報した如く、十二道の結成を完了し、京畿道だけが衆人の注目中にいたる所。来る十一月十日午前十一時鐘路青年会館において結成大会を挙行することに決定。人民共和国の地方網は完遂することになった。そして団結成準備聯絡事務所は臨時に安国町以て文堂ビルデン、ソウル市人民委員会本部にある。

信託管理の反対へ

朝鮮民衆総蹶起

反対委員会で決議文を発表

朝鮮を信託管理に付せんの報に総蹶起した朝鮮民衆の総意を纏めて各政党、各団体からも朝鮮信託管理委任統治制反対委員会では左の決議を行い、国際連邦及び聯合国主席へ宛て決議文を送ることとなった。

• 一、朝鮮三千万民族総意を代表して聯合国、国際会議極東政策の朝鮮信託管理統治制決議案を全面的に取り消すこと。
• 二、この朝鮮は半万年の歴史を有する完全な自主独立国家なることを尊重し、急速に民主主義建国樹立と聯合国及び国際聯盟に協力を求め国際外交を均等にすること。
• 三、世界各国がモンロー主義の下、統一団結して永遠なる自由と平和を維持すること。
• 四、朝鮮を解放せる美、英、中、ソの聯合国に対して最大の敬意と謝意を表す。
• 五、右一及び二を承認せざる時は朝鮮三千万民は世運を以て最後の一人まで自由解放の完全な自文、独立国家を完成するまで世界の終末まで聯合国及び国際聯盟に抗戦することを朝鮮国内各政党、各団体代表署名を以て此の決議文を作成し、関係聯合国美英中ソ主席及び国際聯盟に布告す。

Keijo Nippo editors endorsed the People's Republic of Korea and 'class liberation' in Nov. 3, 1945 commemoration of the 1929 Gwangju Student Movement with calls to 'eradicate the remnants of Japanese imperialism and national traitors'

This is an intriguing article from November 5, 1945, originating from Keijo Nippo, which I found at the National Library of Korea during my trip to Seoul in September 2023. Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) served as the propaganda organ of the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which exerted its rule over Korea from 1905 until its liberation in August 1945. However, a significant transformation occurred around November 1st, 1945, when Korean nationalists commandeered Keijo Nippo following liberation, and continued its publication in Japanese with an avowed Korean nationalist editorial stance until December 11th, 1945. As the Korean employees of Keijo Nippo explained in their message to the readers, this was a temporary measure, undertaken while Korean typefaces were being prepared for eventual use.

First part of the article, photo taken at the National Library of Korea

Second part of the article, photo taken at the National Library of Korea

This article enthusiastically covers a public event held on November 3rd, 1945, when a broad spectrum of Koreans from various political and civic groups, including Communists, gathered at the Meijiza Theater in the Myeondong District of Seoul to commemorate the anniversary of the 1929 Gwangju Student Independence Movement, which was a major act of resistance against Japanese colonial rule led by students across all of Korea. During the event, a unified pledge was made to support the People's Republic of Korea (not to be confused with the North Korean state of DPRK), eradicate traces of Japanese Imperialism and pro-Japanese 'national traitors', and promote 'class liberation'.

However, the story takes a turn with the U.S. military's subsequent shutdown of the People's Republic of Korea on December 12, 1945. Intriguingly, the last issue of Keijo Nippo was published just a day before, on December 11, 1945. This coincidence begs the question: Did the U.S. military also target Keijo Nippo for its perceived left-wing editorial stance?

The disbanded People's Republic subsequently splintered into various People's Committees, which would later evolve into the modern North Korean state in the North. But in the South, the U.S. military cracked down on these People's Committees in the name of anti-communism, and even went so far as to kill thousands during the Jeju Uprising of 1948.

Alongside these significant articles, Keijo Nippo also included smaller yet telling pieces, like the opening of a new newspaper, the reopening of the Whashin department store, a political party moving its headquarters, and daily updates on the number of Japanese evacuees, which all capture the mood of the Korean post-liberation period.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) November 5, 1945

Commemorating the Gwangju Incident: A Day of Unity and Strength for Students

Students Day Solidifies Fervor and Strength

Successful Memorial Ceremony and Lecture

On November 3rd, seventeen years ago from this day, students in Gwangju raised their voices against Imperial Japan, fighting for the freedom of their campus and academic research. This memorial day commemorates their struggle, marked by the blood and fervor of these organized young men and women. Today, with the promised liberation and independence of Korea, the first commemoration of "Students Day" was held with vows to put in their maximum effort. The Gwangju Student Incident Commemoration Struggle Committee, organized by the Korean Student Corps, the Korean Student Soldier Alliance, representatives of Seoul youth organizations (26 groups participating), the Communist Youth Alliance, the Education Reform Alliance, the Nation-Building Alliance, the Nation-Building Women's Alliance [Note: Park Sun-cheon was its vice-chairwoman], and the Gyeongseong Youth Labor Department, held a memorial lecture at Meijiza Theater at 9 a.m. Young men and women from participating groups filled the hall, and the event progressed with youthful energy and strength.

The Gwangju Student Movement was started by students who truly loved this country, and now, in liberated Korea, it is imperative for all citizens to absolutely support the People's Republic of Korea and to strive for the complete construction of a sovereign state. The urgent task is to eradicate the remnants of Japanese imperialism and national traitors. That was our conclusion of the day. Following speeches of encouragement and support from representatives of various sectors and social strata, the meeting wrapped up by sending the following message to the students of Gwangju, where the movement originated, and successfully concluded amid three enthusiastic cheers of 'Long live the People's Republic!'

[Message]

Representing the will of the youth and student masses, we look back on the historical and social significance of the Gwangju Student Incident that caused a significant social impact and aroused world opinion. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the fighters who were directly or indirectly victimized by the brutal repression of Japanese imperialism. We pay our utmost respect to the brave struggle and the revolutionary youth and student masses who rose up throughout Korea as a result of this incident. Today, having attained freedom and liberation, we take it upon ourselves to rightfully address the political reality where various parties and factions are in a state of disorderly entanglement. It is the culmination of our sincere efforts to develop the youth and student movement in its true and rightful direction. We pledge to actively fight for the complete independence and class liberation of a new Korea, with proper theory and indomitable courage, in response to the youth and student masses developing a heroic plan at the site of the incident.

We are confident that our efforts and courage will contribute to new developments and improvements, not yielding to any adverse conditions, and making use of our valuable past experiences. We sincerely hope that this unanimous will and confidence of the youth and student masses will be widely organized among the general national masses, ensuring the heroic achievements of complete independence and class liberation.

November 3, 1945

Gwangju Student Incident Memorial Planning Committee

Kukmin Sinmun Launch (Bi-Daily)

The Kukmin Sinmun is a newly launched newspaper, primarily targeting Christian believers, and will be published bi-daily with its headquarters at 133 Insa-dong in the city.

Korean Democratic Party Headquarters Relocation

On November 2nd, the Korean Democratic Party moved its headquarters from the Korean Smelting Building on Taihei Road [present-day Sejong Road] to the former Dong-A Ilbo building on Gwanghwamun Road.

Whashin Department Store Reopening

Whashin Department Store, which had been closed since August 15, smoothly reached a compromise after mediation by the Military Government's Labor-Management Mediation Committee. It was scheduled to reopen on November 3, but was postponed for a couple of days due to circumstances.

Total Number of Japanese Repatriating: 246,000

On October 31, 2,683 Japanese military personnel and 10,637 Japanese civilians were evacuated, and 3,289 Koreans returned home on the same day. The total number by that date was 222,134 Japanese military personnel and 114,873 Japanese civilians who have been evacuated, and 191,011 Koreans who have returned.

[Note: I usually translate 京城 (Keijo in Japanese, Gyeongseong in Korean), the colonial era name for Korea's capital city, as Seoul in these articles, but from September 1945 onwards, the Keijo Nippo editors start referring to their city as Seoul (ソウル) in Katakana letters, but they still occasionally refer to their city as Keijo, so in this article, I will use both Seoul and Gyeongseong to refer to the same city, depending on which word is used.]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年11月5日

光州事件を偲び

熱と力を固めた学生日

記念式と講演会盛況

十一月三日この日今から十七年前、光州学生が日本帝国に反旗をひるがえし、学園の自由と学問研究の自由を叫んで反抗した。組織的なこの国青春男女の血と熱誠で闘争した記念日である。朝鮮の解放と自主独立が約束された今日にあって、一擲の力となろうと誓った『学生日』の第一回記念式であるこの日、朝鮮学生隊、朝鮮学兵同盟、ソウル青年団体代表者（二十六団体加入）、共産青年同盟、教育革新同盟、建国同盟、建国婦女同盟、京城出労青年部で組織された光州学生事件記念闘争委員会では、この日の記念事業として明治座で光州学生事件記念講演会を午前九時に開き参加諸団体の若き男女は堂に満ち、会は青春の熱と力とで盛裡に進行した。

光州学生事件も真心からこの国を愛する衷情から出発した学徒の事業であったし、解放された今日にあっては我ら全国民が樹立した人民の政府たる朝鮮人民共和国を絶対支持し、完全国家建設に邁進せねばならぬとしてその第一事業としては未だ残っている日本帝国主義の残滓と民族反逆者を掃蕩するのが急務であると、これがこの日の結論であった。そして各界各層の蹶起挨拶も此の壮業を支援した会は遂に光州学生事件発祥地である光州学生に送る次のようなメッセージを送り、人民共和国万歳三唱、盛況裡に解散した。

【メッセージ】青年及び学生大衆の意志を代表して我々は社会的に大きな衝動を与え、世界的に世論を喚起した光州学生事件の歴史的、社会的意義を回顧すると同時に、当時日本帝国主義の横暴な弾圧によって直接間接に犠牲となった闘士等に衷心から謝意を表す。この勇敢な闘争とこれを契機として全鮮的に蜂起された革命的青年と学徒大衆に最大の敬意を表する。自由と解放を獲得した今日、各党各派が無秩序に乱麻している政治的現実を正当に担当するを以て青年及び学生運動の真正な方向へ発展するよう我等の真摯な努力の結晶であり、事件発端地で英雄的計画を展開している青年及び学徒大衆と呼応して正当な理論と不屈な勇気とで新しき朝鮮の完全独立と階級解放を期して積極的に闘うことを約束するものである。

我等の努力と勇気は如何なる悪条件にも屈せず過去の貴重な経歴を生かし、新しき発展と向上に貢献することを確信するところである。青年学生大衆のこの総意と確信が一般民族大衆と広く組織され、完全なる独立と階級解放の英雄的成果を保障せんことを真心から願うものである。

一九四五年十一月三日

光州学生事件記念計画委員会

国民新聞発刊（隔日刊）

国民新聞が新しく出る。市内仁寺町一三三番地に本社を置いて先ず隔日刊されるが、基督教信者を主に相手している。

韓民党本部移転

韓国民主党は去る二日、太平通り朝鮮製錬ビルから光化門通り前東亜日報社屋に同党本部を移転した。

和信開店

八月十五日以後閉店していた和信は軍政庁労資調停委員会の斡旋で曲折も円満に妥協点に到達。再開店することとなり、十一月三日より開店の予定であった處、事情に依り二、三延期された。

撤退日人総計二十四万六千

十月三十一日：日本軍人2683名、日本一般人10637名が撤去し、同日朝鮮人3289名が帰国した。同日までの総計は日人軍人222134名、一般日本人114873名が撤退、朝鮮人191011名が帰った。

Kim Ku leads the way towards Korean independence with support of the Korean people (news editorial cartoon in liberated Keijo Nippo, Dec. 2, 1945)

This is an intriguing editorial cartoon from December 2, 1945, originating from Keijo Nippo, which I found at the National Library of Korea during my trip to Seoul in September 2023. Keijo Nippo (Gyeongseong Ilbo) served as the propaganda organ of the Imperial Japanese colonial regime, which exerted its rule over Korea from 1905 until its liberation in August 1945. However, a significant transformation occurred around November 1st, 1945, when Korean nationalists commandeered Keijo Nippo following liberation.

Under its new, liberated incarnation and adopting a Korean nationalist editorial stance, Keijo Nippo continued its publication in Japanese until December 11th, 1945. As the Korean employees of Keijo Nippo explained in their message to the readers, this was a temporary measure, undertaken while Korean typefaces were being prepared for future use.

The cartoon, a vivid depiction of the times, portrays Kim Ku (labeled as 九先生), the Head of State of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, known for his signature glasses. In the illustration, Kim Ku is seen pulling a cart through Independence Gate. The cart, a metaphor for the nation's journey, is laden with boxes labeled "XX Party" and other similar markings, all resting on a base inscribed with "Will of the People (人民総意)". Assisting in this endeavor are two men, pushing the cart from behind. The ground beneath them bears the encouraging words, "Come on, just one more push!(さあーもう一息だ)".

This illustration is not merely a cartoon; it is a reflection of the aspirations and spirit of the Korean nationalists during that era. They placed their hopes in Kim Ku's leadership, viewing him as a pivotal figure in guiding Korea towards true independence. The cartoon also subtly conveys that the path to independence would be strenuous, requiring not just leadership but also the unwavering support and hard work of the Korean people.

Moreover, this editorial cartoon serves as a vital indication of the political allegiance of the Korean employees at Keijo Nippo. Their bold action of overthrowing their Japanese bosses to seize control of the newspaper marks a significant moment in Korean history, representing a shift in power and a reclaiming of their voice.

This piece of history encapsulates the struggle, resilience, and aspirations of a nation on the brink of a new beginning. It is an important reminder of the journey that Korea embarked upon towards its own destiny, driven by the will of its people and the leadership of figures like Kim Ku.

A look into the foreign films showing in Korean movie theaters in June to Dec. 1943: Ohm Krüger (1941) was heavily promoted to foment anti-British sentiment

This post will be a continuation of my exploration into the kinds of foreign movies that Seoul residents might have watched in 1943, when Imperial Japan was in the middle of a desperate war. To mark exactly 80 years since June to December 1943, I scanned the Keijo Nippo newspapers for any movie ads for foreign films that were showing at movie theaters in Seoul for those months. I identified the movies based on the Japanese titles as well as clues left in the ads themselves, such as the plot lines and the names of the directors and actors. As you can see, in this period, there were 12 foreign films that were screened in Seoul: 6 German films, 4 Italian films, and 2 French films:

• June 1943: Ballerine (Italy, 1936)
• July 1943: Kameraden auf See (Germany, 1938), Andalusische Nächte (Germany, 1938), L'Antenato (Italy, 1936)
• August 1943: None
• September 1943: Tango Notturno (Germany, 1937), Varieté (Germany, 1935)
• October 1943: Ohm Krüger (Germany, 1941), Luciano Serra pilota (Italy, 1938)
• November 1943: Gli ultimi giorni di Pompei (Italy, 1926)
• December 1943: Maria Chapdelaine (France, 1934), Conflit (France, 1938), Wunschkonzert (Germany, 1940)

Some of these movies are available to watch online in clips or, in some cases, in their entirety on Youtube or Internet Archive, so I will share links below along with the movie ads. I linked to resources on Wikipedia wherever I could.

Ballerine (Italy, 1936) was a drama starring Silviana Jachino (pictured in this ad) and Antonio Centa, whose name is printed here. This film was made into a double feature, where you had to sit in for the domestic Imperial Japanese film (秀子の車掌さん) if you wanted to watch the foreign film. The film only showed from June 18th to the 20th. 

Ballerine (1936) - Keijo Nippo June 18, 1943

Kameraden auf See (Germany, 1938) was a war film starring Theodor Loos and Julius Brandt (pictured in this ad) and Carola Höhn, whose name is printed here. This film was made into a double feature, where you had to sit in for the domestic Imperial Japanese film (わが家の春) if you wanted to watch the foreign film. The film only showed from July 1st to the 4th. 

Kameraden auf See (1938) - Keijo Nippo July 1, 1943

Andalusische Nächte (Germany, 1938) was a musical film directed by Herbert Maisch and starring Imperio Argentina, who is pictured in the ad. The film only showed from July 1st to the 4th. 

Nights in Andalusia (1938) - Keijo Nippo July 1, 1943

L'Antenato (Italy, 1936) was a 1936 comedy starring Antonio Gandusio and Paola Barbara, who are depicted in this ad. This film was also showing in Seoul in April 1943. This film resumed screening on July 10th.

L'Antenato (1936) - Keijo Nippo July 10, 1943

Tango Notturno (Germany, 1937) was a drama film directed by Fritz Kirchhoff and starring Pola Negri who is pictured in this ad. This film only screened on September 6th and 7th. An excerpt of this film is available on Youtube here.

Tango Notturno (1937) - Keijo Nippo September 6, 1943

Varieté (Germany, 1935) was a French-German drama film directed by Nicolas Farkas and starring Annabella who is pictured in this ad. This film screened from September 27th to the 30th.

Varieté (1935) - Keijo Nippo September 26, 1943

Ohm Krüger (Germany, 1941) was a 1941 German biographical film directed by Hans Steinhoff and starring Emil Jannings, Lucie Höflich, and Werner Hinz. It was one of a series of major propaganda films produced in Nazi Germany attacking the United Kingdom. The film depicts the life of the South African politician Paul Kruger and his eventual defeat by the British during the Boer War. The ads are filled with very intense anti-British and anti-American propaganda messaging like, "This is the true face of Anglo-Saxon brutality!" "Now is the time to gaze upon the bestial British atrocities that will remain in world history!" "Gaze upon the unparalleled atrocities of the brutal U.S. and Britain!" This film was heavily promoted with a whopping six ads in one month, showing from October 14th to the 20th. The full movie is available on YouTube here.

Ohm Krüger (1941) - Keijo Nippo October 13, 15, 16, 17 (x2), 20th, 1943 (left-right, top-bottom)

Luciano Serra pilota (Italy, 1938) was a war drama film directed by Goffredo Alessandrini and starring Amedeo Nazzari and Roberto Villa, whose names are printed here. The ad incorrectly states that Vittorio Mussolini was the director. This film was made into a double feature, where you had to sit in for the domestic Imperial Japanese film if you wanted to watch the foreign film. The film only showed from July 1st to the 4th. The full movie is available on YouTube here.

Luciano Serra, Pilot (1938) - Keijo Nippo October 30, 1943

Gli ultimi giorni di Pompei (Italy, 1926) was a historical silent drama film directed by Carmine Gallone and Amleto Palermi and starring Victor Varconi and María Corda, whose names are printed on this ad. This film was made into a double feature, where you had to sit in for the domestic Imperial Japanese film (快闘・富士の男伊達) if you wanted to watch the foreign film. The film screened from November 12th. A very brief excerpt of this film is available on YouTube here.

Last Days of Pompei (1926) - Keijo Nippo November 12, 1943

Maria Chapdelaine (France, 1934) was a drama film directed by Julien Duvivier and starring Madeleine Renaud and Jean Gabin, whose names are printed in the ad. This film was made into a double feature, where you had to sit in for the domestic Imperial Japanese film (島は夕やけ) if you wanted to watch the foreign film. The film screened from December 9th to the 11th. An excerpt of this film is available on Elephant Cinema Quebec here.

Maria Chapdelaine (1934) - Keijo Nippo December 8th, 1943

Conflit (France, 1938) was a drama film starring Corinne Luchaire, Annie Ducaux, Marguerite and Raymond Rouleau whose names are printed on the ads. It screened from December 18th to the 21th. A long excerpt of this film is available on YouTube here.

Conflit (1938) - Keijo Nippo December 15, 1943

Conflit (1938) - Keijo Nippo December 18, 1943

Conflit (1938) - Keijo Nippo December 18, 1943

Wunschkonzert (1940) was a German drama propaganda film starring Ilse Werner, who is prominently featured on the ads. This movie was heavily promoted in Keijo Nippo, and it also screened earlier in January and March of 1943. The German brochure for this movie is available on the Internet Archive here. The full movie (no subtitles) is available on the Internet Archive here. A clip of one of the songs is available on YouTube here. It screened from December 18th to the 21st.

Wunschkonzert (1943) - Keijo Nippo December 17, 1943

Wunschkonzert (1943) - Keijo Nippo December 18, 1943

American soldiers meeting local women and shopping for flowers and dolls in Seoul and Incheon, providing trucks to Patriotic Groups to clean the streets (September 21-22, 1945)

These photos are from pages of the Keijo Nippo newspaper that I stumbled upon during my visit to the National Library of Korea a few months ago. Taken on September 21 and 22, 1945, just days after the U.S. military arrived in Korea on September 8th, they show American soldiers enjoying their free time meeting local women and patronizing local business in the Seoul-Incheon region. The captioning of the American soldiers with local women as "American Soldiers with Children" is rather odd. My theory is that the news editors did this to cleverly get around US military censorship by using euphemisms.

I also translated an adjacent article about a Patriotic Group cleaning the streets around the Hantō Hotel (now Lotte Hotel Seoul) and the former Mitsui & Co. building (now the Seoul Metropolitan Council) across the street from the hotel. The Patriotic Group was a colonial-era neighborhood cell that enforced strict Imperial Japanese regime control over every aspect of the lives of the colonized Korean people as the lowest level governance unit under the direct control of the party, and later the military, but in the post-liberation era, it has become just a regular neighborhood association handling local issues. There was also an interview with the US military government about the freedom of assembly.

The article about the Japanese dolls mentions that a U.S. soldier recognized one of the Gogatsu Ningyō (May festival dolls) as the likeness of Benkei, a medieval warrior monk who was famed for dying while standing as he was riddled with arrows. Benkei would not have been that well known among Americans at this time, so I'm guessing that this particular U.S. soldier must have been quite the rare Japanophile whom we would call a 'weaboo' today.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) September 21, 1945

American Soldiers with Children and Dolls

Getting Along Together in the Streets

Children and soldiers. Indeed, there are no national borders hindering the flow of such emotions. The friendship seen between American soldiers and children in the streets, or in workplaces where American soldiers are present, transcends language and customs, and brings warmth to our hearts. The innocent gestures of children must be a great comfort to the homesickness of the American soldiers who have come across the sea. They indeed adore children.

The other day, when three American military officers visited the head office of this newspaper on official business, a child was instructed to offer tea to the guests. Worriedly, the child handed a teacup to the officer, who then, taking it, patted the child's head and said "Oh, thank you" in broken Japanese. The child's eyes sparkled with joy, exclaiming, "That uncle said thank you!" and laughed happily.

Near the American military barracks, the smiles of children playing around the American soldiers brighten the autumn sky like flowers. They play games like train and tag, holding hands in a circle, imitating the songs hummed by the American soldiers. When tired, they are lifted onto trucks, playfully pushing the clouds in the sky.

No matter how the winds of reality blow, the world of the children is always cheerful, and the bond between "the children and the soldiers" grows deeper and warmer day by day.

[Incheon] "Oh, what a lovely doll"… An American soldier was enthralled by the Gogatsu Ningyō (May festival dolls), contemplating them as gifts for folks back home. Doll shops in the city, welcoming such guests, are unusually busy with their displays of these May festival dolls. Soldiers walking through the streets with dolls in their arms, talking cheerfully in accented voices about "Geisha girls" and "Benkei", bring smiles to the faces of townspeople. The city brightens with the bustling doll shops. [Photos: Above - American soldiers and the children holding hands and playing, Below - American soldiers buying dolls in the city]

Assemblies and Processions: All Permitted

US Military Landings to be Reported Immediately

On September 20, the US military government responded to supplementary questions from the press corps about the US military's landing and assemblies as follows:

Q: General Hodge recently mentioned the US military's landing at Busan. Will the US military government make any announcements regarding this?

A: The landing will be reported immediately once it actually occurs. This applies to any location within the areas in Korea occupied by the US military.

Q: Are there any additional details about the US military police's orders regarding processions and assemblies? Do these orders apply to assemblies other than political rallies and processions?

A: They apply to all assemblies. The term "public" is emphasized. However, a gathering of two or three friends at home or on the street is, of course, not considered an assembly.

In Cooperation with American Soldiers

Cleaning Effort by the Patriotic Group of 1-Kōgane-machi

On September 19th, every Patriotic Group member in 1-Kōgane-machi Town Association started their cleaning effort at 9:30 AM, collecting rubbish and cleaning both sides of the main road and the open land (the rundown former site of incineration of printed materials) near the Hantō Hotel and the former Mitsui & Co. building, where US soldiers are stationed. The unsightly view was something even the American soldiers turned their faces away from. This cleaning effort, a voluntary service by the town's residents, was also supported in gratitude by the US military, which provided trucks for transportation.

The American soldiers are extremely health-conscious, paying meticulous attention to food and cleanliness. Therefore, residents should make an effort to keep the city clean.

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) September 22, 1945

Flowers and American Soldiers

"Oh, beautiful"… Like butterflies frolicking among flowers, American soldiers, allowed to tour the city for the first time in a long time since their stationing in the Seoul-Incheon region, spread their wings like birds released from a cage, seeking joy in various places in Seoul. At a florist on Honmachi Street, the charming and fragrant flowers in full bloom brought them much delight. The soldiers holding flowers, flowers, flowers, brought smiles to the faces of passersby, brightening the city. [Photo: American soldiers seeking flowers]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年9月21日

米兵と子供と人形

街に見る仲よしぶり

子供と兵隊。こうした感情の流れにはやはり国境がない。街に見る米兵と子供たちとのしたしみ、或はまた米兵の居る職場などでの、言葉や風俗を超えた彼等の仲よしぶりが思うこと多いわれわれの心を和らげてくれる。

海を超えて来た米兵たちの郷愁にも、子供たちのあどけないしぐさは大きななぐさめとなるのであろう。彼等は実によく子供を可愛がる。

先日、米軍の士官が三人用務で本社へやって来たとき、子供にお茶を上げるようにと言いつけたところ、『お茶のむかしら』と心配しながら子供の差し出す湯呑を手にとった一人の士官が『オオアリガト』と、片言の日本語で言いながら子供の頭を撫でてやった。子供はきらきらと眼をかがやかせて、『おじちゃん、ありがとうって言ったよ』とうれしそうに笑った。

米軍宿舎のあるほとりでは、米兵を囲んでたわむれる子供達の笑顔が、秋空をかざる花のように明るい。電車ごっこ、鬼ごっこ、手をとり合って輪になりながら、米兵の口ずさむ歌を真似る子供たち。つかれればトラックの上に抱き上げてもらって、空を飛ぶ雲を押してはしゃぐ彼等だ。

現実の風がどのように吹こうとも、子供たちの世界はいつもほがらかである。そして『子供と兵隊』のむすびつきもまた、日ましに深くあたたかくなって行くのである。

【仁川】『おー可愛らしい人形だ』．．．本国へのプレゼントにと五月人形に恍惚として見取れる米国の兵隊さん。このお客さんを迎えた府内の各人形屋は時ならぬ時期に五月人形の陳列に大勢街行く将兵は人形を抱え乍ら『ゲイシャガール』、『ベンケイ』とアクセントのある声で和かに語りながら歩き、街の人々は笑顔で見送り、人形屋の大繁昌と共に街は明朗色を増している。写真：（上）手をとり合って遊ぶ米兵と子供（下）街に人形を買う米兵

集合行列：許可総て適用

米軍上陸は直ちに報道

米軍政府当局は二十日の記者団との会見で米軍の進駐及び集会に関する記者団の補足的質問に対し次のように答えた。

問：ハッジ中将は先日米軍の釜山上陸について言及したが、これにつき米軍政当局は何らかの報道をなさぬか？

答：実際に上陸がなされたときは直ちに報道する。これは鮮内米軍占領地域に上陸した場合は何れの地点における場合も同じである。

問：行列、集会に関する米軍憲兵の命令につき補足するところはないか、この命令は政治的集会、行列以外のものにも適用されるのか？

答：総ての集会に適用される。公共的という言葉は強調されている。但し二三人の友人が家庭或は街頭に集るなどのことは勿論集会とはいえない。

米軍も協力して

黄金町一 愛国班の清掃奉仕

黄金町一丁目町会では十九日朝九時半から各班員が出動し、半島ホテル脇の空地（文藝類を焼却した乱雑の箇所）や大道路両側など紙屑や塵埃を取り片付けに労力奉仕をしたが、ここは半島ホテル、三井物産跡など米軍が駐屯しているので、その見苦しさに米軍将兵も顔をそむけていたものだった。この清掃は町会有志の自発的奉仕でもあるが、米軍側でも感謝の意味で軍のトラックを提供して運搬したほどだ。

米軍の将兵たちはトコトンまで衛生観念が発達しているので、食物に対する細心の注意は勿論のこと、何事にも綺麗好きだから府民は挙って街の清掃に努めることである。

京城日報 1945年9月22日

花と米兵

『オー、ビューティフル』．．．まるで花にたわむれる蝶のように、京仁地方に進駐以来、久し振りに府内の観光を許されたべ軍将兵達は、檻から放たれた小鳥のように翼をのばし、悦びの心の糧を求めて京城府内を思い思いの場所に。本町通のある花屋には今を盛りと咲き薫る可憐な草花が彼等にどれだけ悦びを与えたであろうか。彼等の胸に抱かれる花花花、道行く人々も歩を止めて、この微笑ましき情景に街は明るい。【写真＝花をもとめる米兵達】

U.S. soldiers guard the Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) newspaper office on September 11, 1945, three days after the start of the U.S. military occupation of southern Korea

This photo is from a page in the Keijo Nippo newspaper that I stumbled upon during my visit to the National Library of Korea a few months ago. Taken on September 11, 1945, just days after the U.S. military arrived in Korea on September 8th, it shows U.S. soldiers guarding the entrance to the Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) newspaper office. Keijo Nippo was the propaganda organ of the Imperial Japanese colonial regime which ruled Korea from 1905 to 1945. It is rather ironic that a newspaper that called for the destruction of the U.S. so many times during the war is being guarded by the very forces whose destruction it called for in its publications.

U.S. soldiers standing guard at the Keijo Nippo newspaper office on September 11, 1945.

Today, the Keijo Nippo newspaper building no longer exists, and the Seoul Shinmun building has now taken its place.

In the Keijo Nippo newspaper, the arrival of the U.S. military occupation of southern Korea was marked by the following curfew notice which was issued by the outgoing Japanese colonial governor Ikeda on September 8th, 1945 on behalf of the U.S. military authorities. On September 9th, 1945, the Japanese colonial government issued its last directive before handing over power to the U.S. military occupation: the prohibition of raising the Japanese flag after 4:00 p.m.

September 8, 1945 curfew notice published on September 10, 1945.

[Translation]

Curfew Notice

From 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM

Effective from September 8th onwards, in both the districts of Keijō (Seoul) and Incheon, under the directive of Major General Hodge of the U.S. 24th Army Corps, from the evening of September 8th onwards, in Seoul and Incheon, passage is prohibited for anyone except those listed below from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM the following day.

Those who violate this will be strictly punished.

Exceptions:

1. Police officers, fire brigade members, civil defense members, and other night watchmen.
2. Visiting doctors.
3. Those who need to travel for work during the prohibited hours. In this case, government officials must have a certificate issued by their office, and others must have a certificate stating this fact from their employer and authenticated by the local police station chief.
4. Persons with an outing permit issued by the U.S. Army authorities.

Dated: September 8, 1945

Gyeonggi Province Governor, Kiyosaburo Ikeda

---

Prohibition of Raising the Japanese Flag

A directive was issued by the Governor-General of Korea on the evening of September 8th as follows: From 4:00 PM on September 9th, 1945, the national flag of Japan shall not be raised. Any Japanese national flags or symbols that are currently visible to the public should be immediately lowered after the same time. This order is to be strictly enforced and applies to areas south of latitude 38 degrees North.

[Transcription from the September 10th, 1945 issue of Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo)]

通行禁止

夜八時より朝五時迄

八日以降、京城・仁川の両地区

米軍第二十四軍司令官ハッジ中将の指令に依り九月八日以降京城及び仁川府に於いては午後八時より翌日午前五時に至るの間、左記以外の者の通行を禁止す。

右に違反する者は厳重に之を処罰す。

記

一、警察官、消防署員、警防団員、其外夜警員

二、往診医師

三、職務上右禁止時間内に通行を必要とする者但し此の場合は官公署職員に就いては官公署の発する証明書、其他の者に就いては雇主より此の旨明記し所轄警察署長の認証する証明書を有するを要す

四、米国進駐軍当局の外出認可証を有する者

昭和二十年九月八日

京畿道知事 生田清三郎

---

日本国旗、掲揚禁止

九月八日午後八時朝鮮総督府より左の如き命令発せられ、昭和二十年九月九日午後四時以降日本国国旗は掲揚することなく、現に人目に触るる箇處に掲揚しある日本国国旗又は之を表示する標識は同時以後直ちに降下すべき事を厳重に命令す、前項の命令は之を北緯三十八度以南の地に適用す。

Shortly thereafter on September 11, 1945, Keijo Nippo published the following pages reproducing Proclamation No. 1 of Commander-in-Chief Douglas MacArthur, along with Proclamations No. 2 and 3, as well as the official surrender document which was signed on September 9, 1945 during the official Surrender Ceremony. The official English copies of Proclamations Nos. 1-3 were published in the second page. The photo of the U.S. soldiers in front of the Keijo Nippo newspaper office was published the following day on September 12, 1945.

September 11, 1945 issue, page 1

September 11, 1945 issue, page 2

September 12, 1945 issue

More historical photos of the Surrender of Imperial Japan in Korea (National Museum of the U.S. Navy): link

August 28, 1945: Colonial regime announces a peaceful transition of power to the new incoming Korean government, reopens comfort women services, department stores, cafés in Seoul as popular uprising subsides, plans orderly repatriation of Japanese residents

This is another fascinating historical article that I stumbled upon during my visit to the National Library of Korea a few months ago. This is a news announcement made on August 28, 1945 announcing an orderly, peaceful transition of power just 13 days after Imperial Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945. In the initial few days after August 15th, the military authorities were at the forefront making defiant announcements in the face of a massive Korean popular uprising, but for the first time since Imperial Japan's surrender, a civilian leader, Mr. Konishi Haruo, has come forward to address the nation in a sober, conciliatory address emptied of the usual Imperialist bravado, to provide a blueprint for a peaceful transition of power to the new Korean state and the repatriation of Japanese residents back to Japan.

Mr. Konishi's address, photo taken at the National Library of Korea

Mr. Konishi was a 66-year-old mining executive at Meiji Mining who came from a respectable Samurai family in Fukuoka prefecture. He had a distinguished career at various banks, treasuries, and chambers of commerce in Korea and Manchuria. There had always been tensions between civilian and military authorities in colonial Korea, but it seems that, in this moment, the military people have retreated into the background and the civilian leaders like Mr. Konishi have gained the upper hand.

Konishi calls upon Japanese residents in Korea to act responsibly, contributing positively to both their homeland and the new independent Korean state. He is confident that the rights of Japanese residents will be respected in a new humanitarian and civilized Korean state. He also touches on the practicalities of repatriation, like the handling of properties and belongings by trust companies and warehouses, and the limitations of transport capacity for returning all Japanese residents within the year. Konishi concludes by emphasizing the achievements of Japanese governance in Korea, such as infrastructure and financial systems, and expresses hope for a respectful and responsible transition period.

In the usual fashion, the editors at Keijo Nippo places positive, upbeat news articles adjacent to dark, serious news articles. This time, the 'positive' articles are about the reopening of 'high-end entertainment establishments' like restaurants, cafes, and comfort women services (kisaeng). This may have been a goodwill gesture by the colonial authorities to appease the angry populace and relieve social tensions ahead of the peaceful handover of power. For days after August 15, the civil unrest was apparently so intense that shops couldn't open, but by August 27, the unrest had died down enough for shops to cautiously reopen, but there were still apparently not many shoppers who dared to ventured out to go shopping.

Note: These were challenging articles to decipher because of the poor state of preservation of the newsprint. There was a small section of the text that I just couldn't make out, so I indicated this with ellipses. Sorry that I forgot to take a picture of the accompanying grainy news photo of shoppers gathered around a stall in a department store.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong (Keijo Nippo) August 28, 1945

On the Issue of Repatriation

By Haruo Konishi

August 15th. What is more to say about that day? However, what has been the state of Seoul, the capital of all Korea, in this past week? There are countless things that are truly lamentable. Do not panic! It is extremely important for us, as citizens of a great nation, to maintain our composure. But who were the very first ones to panic? Who were the ones to cause this chaos? Now is not the time to delve into that.

In this grave crisis, the responsibilities of the Governor-General's office are indeed significant. How should they guide the 26 million people of the Korean peninsula? What should be done about the 1.2 million mainland Japanese residents in Korea? Maintaining public order and securing transportation and communication are absolutely crucial. Even if the transfer of power to the newly emerging state and its new government occurs peacefully, things like sorting office documents, clearing desks and shelves, and arranging for the handing over of lodgings are of least importance. The transfer of the city is often talked about in dramatic tales, but the transfer of the Governor-General's rule is not just a matter of formality. There are much bigger issues at hand. I understand that the authorities are making great efforts, but they must not get things backwards.

In the future, it won't be easy to simply dispose of the businesses, homes, and properties that over 1.2 million mainland Japanese residents in Korea have painstakingly developed over the past three to four decades.

On the other hand, what is the situation in our motherland? What about the food and population problem? The unemployment situation? The war victims? What if people from China, Manchuria, Korea, Taiwan, Sakhalin, and the South Pacific all repatriate to mainland Japan at once? There would likely be unimaginable difficulties. In addition to the country's existing hardships…

…the Japanese people were supposed to, under the grand vision of the Emperor, play a key role in peace and contribute to cultural development by expanding overseas. But what should have been a matter of concern was if this, instead, led back to domestic repercussions, inevitably leading to a path of further misery.

In this sense, I believe there are many points we need to learn and adopt broadly. From this perspective, the mainland Japanese residents in Korea should hold their ground to the utmost extent, contributing not only to our motherland but also to the newly emerging state.

Various national policies will be established and implemented in the new state. However, the new state will undoubtedly be a civilized and humanitarian one, adhering to international standards of humanity, and not a barbaric state. Therefore, I firmly believe that there is absolutely no concern that the private rights of mainland Japanese residents in Korea will be unreasonably confiscated, trampled upon, or plundered. With this understanding and insight, I have been advising people around me not to panic, but to calmly observe and handle the transition. A few days ago, I read former Seoul University Professor Yasuda's opinion in the Keijo Nippo newspaper and largely agreed with him, but I hope those in power will guide the people well. The Japanese people of Northern Korea repatriated in a state of confusion because Northern Korea became a battleground due to the Soviet Union's offensive. This is completely different from the situation of the Japanese people in Seoul repatriating to mainland Japan.

The real estate properties of the repatriating people will be taken care of by a certain trust company, and their belongings will be stored in a certain warehouse. This is indeed commendable. However, this sounds to the people like they are being forced to hurry and repatriate. With this view in mind, they should be guided to stay and devote themselves to their livelihoods, showing great ambition and spirit, as it will likely be impossible to complete all repatriations within this year with the current transportation capacity.

Even if the Governor-General's office is abolished, its residual duties must be managed, and some of them will likely be inherited by a future embassy or legation. It goes without saying that financial institutions and transportation and communication facilities must hold their ground until the end, ensuring as smooth as possible a transition of power, not just leaving things to "fate".

There were considerable achievements during the Governor-General's rule in terms of roads, ports, electricity, transportation, water resources, finance, etc. A certain Korean scholar said that it probably would have taken more than 200 years for the Korean people alone to achieve this much. Now is the most crucial time. This autumn is the time for us all to exercise self-restraint. (The writer is the Managing Director of Meiji Mining)

Towards a Brighter, Leisure-Focused Society

Relaxation of Restrictions on High-End Leisure Activities

Aiming for a return to a brighter society and life, the government is currently studying the removal of various restrictions imposed as wartime measures. As an immediate step, the full-scale lifting of the ban on high-end leisure activities, which was part of the "Decisive Battle Emergency Measures" implemented in March last year and further extended for a year this March, has been decided. Consequently, not only the opening of restaurants and cafés but also the employment of female entertainers and kisaeng is now permitted. Furthermore, authorities are also advancing their research on potentially freeing up special leisure sectors such as dance halls and cabarets depending on the situation.

Department Stores Struggle with Decline in Customer Foot Traffic

Reopening Since Yesterday

Since that day, various department stores had been completely closed, but they reopened their doors from August 27th. However, due to a lack of merchandise, the situation is such that, conversely, black markets have emerged in the city offering almost everything at high prices. Consequently, domestic department stores like Mitsukoshi, Chōjiya, and Minakai had fewer customers than expected on their long-awaited reopening, especially in food and textile sections which remained quiet. Only a few Western goods, cosmetics, and general merchandise were being sold to some extent.

Mitsukoshi, for instance, had been holding a swap meet for unnecessary items since the beginning of the month, which was suspended on August 16th, and exchanges were halted. But from August 27th, the retrieval of items resumed. As for the purchases of furniture and household goods of repatriating people by various department stores, which are reportedly to be organized by a certain mainland Japanese welfare association, there is no official word yet, so people are slowly bringing in items.

According to observations from various stores, there might be fewer items for sale now since so many were sold off at once previously, and the situation in the surrounding areas has somewhat stabilized, suggesting that there may not be a need to rush into selling. This could be why there are surprisingly few items up for sale. [Photo = At a certain department store]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年8月28日

引き揚げ問題に就いて

小西春雄

八月十五日。もう何もいう事はないのである。併し此一週間に於ける全鮮就中主都たる京城の様相はどうだ。真に浩嘆に耐えぬ事が夥しい。周章狼狽するな。大国民たるの襟度を保てと尤も千万である。だが抑も誰が一番先きに慌てたか。誰が周章狼狽せしめたか。今敢えて詮議立てはせぬ。

此の大難局に際し総督府の責務は実に大きい。半島二千六百万の民衆を如何に指導すべき乎、在鮮百二十万の内地人を如何に措置すべきか。而して治安の維持と交通通信の確保が絶対に把握されねばならぬ。軈て生れ出る新国家。やがて樹立さるる新政府との間に平和裡に接収と引き渡しとが行われるにしても、官庁の書類の整理や戸棚や机の取片付けや、宿舎明け渡しの手配の如きは末の末である。城の引き渡しは浪花節でもよく語る。併し総督政治の明け渡しは、ソンナ形式的の事ではない。もっともっと大きな問題がある。当局に於いては嘸かし御苦心の事と察するが、断じて本来顛倒はゆるされぬのである。

今後は在鮮百余万の内地人が此三、四十年間に苦心惨憺を据えて、夫々の生業に従事し来った結晶ともいうべき事業や家産や財産は、短時間に簡単に処理の出来る筈のものでない。

翻って母国の状態は如何。食糧人口の問題は如何。失業状態は如何。戦災者は如何。支那、満州、朝鮮、台湾、樺太、南洋各地から内地へ一度に引き揚げて来たならば如何。蓋し想い半に過ぐるものがあろう。国歩困難の上に更に．．．

．．．国民は、大御心の下に平和の鍵役として文化発展の為に貢献すべく海外各地に進出すべきでこそある。憂惧すべきでこそあるそれが逆に内地に帰結する様ではさらに悲惨の一路を辿る外あるまい。

其の意味で吾は今後寛闊に学ぶべき点が多々あると思う。其の観点からするも在鮮の内地人諸君は何処迄も踏み止って、母国の為に、将に新国家の為更に貢献する處なくてならぬ。

新国家では色々の国策が樹立され施行せられよう。併し新国家は立派な文明的の国家たるに相違ない。人道的の国家で天下の人道を基準とするもので、野蛮国家でない事に一抹の疑念もない。従って在鮮の内地人の私権が理不尽に没収され、蹂躙され、又は掠奪さるる如き懸念は絶対にあり得ないと確信する。余は此見解と見透しの下に身辺の人々に慌てるな、落ち着いて推移を静観善処せよと説いて居る。数日前、元城大安田教授の御意見を京日紙上で拝見し大体に於いて同感したが、更に権力ある方々からよく民衆を指導して戴きたい。北鮮の人々が右往左往して引き揚げたのは、ソ聯の進攻で北鮮が戦場となったからで、京城人が内地へ引き揚げるのとは全然筋合いが違う。

引き揚げ者の不動産は某信託会社で世話する。又荷物は某倉庫で保管するという。誠に結構である。併し之等が民衆には引き揚げろ引き揚げろと響く。斯く斯くの見渡しであるから安心して踏止って生業に勤め、大器雄心を発揮せよと指導して行くげきであり、現在の輸送力でも今年一ぱいでは到底全部の引き揚げは不可能であろう。

総督府は撤廃となっても残務は処理さるべく、且つ其の一部は将来大使館なり公使館なりに継承されるであろう。金融機関や交通通信機関が最後迄踏み止るのは勿論、新国家をして其の昨日を困難ならしむることなく『あとは野となれ山となれ』ではなく出来るだけ円滑に政権の推移が遂行する様にありたい。

総督政治に於ける道路、港湾、電力、交通、水利、金融等々の治績は相当のものがある。或る半島の識者は、半島人のみの手では二百年かかっても之だけの事業は恐らく出来まいと洩らしていた。今やその最後の一番大事な時である。お互いに自重すべき秋である。（筆者は明治鉱業専務）

明るい享楽面へ

高級享楽停止を解除

明るい社会、明るい生活への復帰をめざし、本府では戦時措置としての種々の制限撤廃を研究中であるが、差し当たり昨年三月実施本年三月さらに一ヶ年延長された『決戦非常措置要綱』中の高級享楽停止を全面的に解除することになった。従って料理屋、カフェーの開店は勿論、芸妓、妓生などの就業も許可されるわけであるが、当局ではさらに場合によってはダンスホール、キャバレー等特殊享楽部面の解放についても研究を進めている。

客足渋る百貨店

きのうから再び店開き

あの日以来すっかり店を休んでいた各百貨店は二十七日から再び蓋を開けたが、何しろ商品のない折柄ではあり、逆に街には闇市場が出て高値さえ承知ならこちらには殆どないものがないという有様なので中止の内地側百貨店は三越も丁子屋も三中井も久し振りの開店の割には客が少なく、特に食料品や繊維製品売場は閑散で、わずかに洋品雑貨、化粧品、荒物類が淋しく売れていく程度である。

三越など月初めから不用品の交換会が行われていたのが十六日で休業となり、交換も中断の形だったが、二十七日からは出品の引き取りが始まったという程度。例の内地人世話会が肝煎りで行うという各百貨店での引揚者の家具家財の買上も正式の話がまだないので、ぼつぼつ持って来る人があるという程度。

何処の店の観測でも一時にあんなにドッと売出したから今更売りに出す人も少ないだろうし、まだ四囲の情勢も落ちついて来たため、更慌てて売りに出さなくてもいいという様な見透しから案外出品は少ないのじゃないかと見ている。【写真＝某百貨店にて】