Little spillover from tensions in Japanese daily life from trade dispute with South Korea

Korean businesses in Tokyo's Shin-Okubo district, which is known as "Korea town", have reported barely a dent in takings since the latest dispute erupted, as South Korean culture remains wildly popular among the Japanese.
Korean businesses in Tokyo's Shin-Okubo district, which is known as "Korea town", have reported barely a dent in takings since the latest dispute erupted, as South Korean culture remains wildly popular among the Japanese. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Even as worsening political ties led to a boycott of Japanese goods in South Korea this month, 27-year-old Tatsuya packed his bags for a getaway to Seoul last weekend.

"The people I've encountered in the supermarket, at apparel shops, on the streets in town, were all very friendly," the IT professional, who only wanted to be known by his first name, told The Straits Times.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 19, 2019, with the headline Little spillover from tensions in Japanese daily life from trade dispute with South Korea. Subscribe