The weekly column “Henken Jizai” by former Sankei Shimbun journalist Masayuki Takayama, which appeared in “Weekly Shincho,” has ended with the issue released on the 20th. The column came under scrutiny for the July 24 issue, where Takayama allegedly made discriminatory remarks, telling people like author Ushio Fukazawa, who use Japanese-style names, “Don’t use Japanese names” if they dislike Japan. Fukazawa demanded a formal apology and the opportunity to respond in the magazine.
The decision to end the column was noted in the margin of its final installment, mentioning a discussion between Takayama and the editorial team, though no specific reason for the termination was provided. Within Shinchosha, voices questioned the continuation of the column. On the 19th, Shinchosha did not disclose further details prior to the issue’s release.
The controversial column titled “Soshi Kaimei 2.0” referenced Japan’s 1940 policy of forcing Koreans to adopt Japanese-style names. Fukazawa, an author who debuted with Shinchosha, expressed deep emotional distress over the column’s content at an August 4 press conference. The event was supported by several writers and translators who condemned the column as “hate based on origin” and not free speech.
Shinchosha replied to Fukazawa on August 12, acknowledging the column’s potential to be misinterpreted as discriminatory and apologizing for the resulting backlash. Fukazawa’s team called for a more direct apology. The “Henken Jizai” column had a history of over 1,146 installments, spanning more than 20 years and inspiring related publications.
by MagazineKey4532