2015 marks the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule as well as the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between both countries. Although it has been half a century since South Korea and Japan signed a treaty to normalize their relations, unfortunately bilateral ties have repeatedly undergone ups and downs due to the turbulent history the two countries share.

For both countries, the Ikuno Korea Town Festival is held every year to highlight the theme of “togetherness.” Ikuno, in the Japanese city of Osaka, is by far the largest Korean enclave in all of Japan. Why do so many Koreans live in this region? And how have Korean culture and spirit been kept intact there for decades?

The Hong family in Ikuno shows the lives of Korean-Japanese and the history of Korea Town. In the course of creating Korea Town in Ikuno, Koreans and Japanese were able to learn how to live in harmony. Hopefully, South Korea-Japan relations could take an example from Ikuno Korea Town.

Let’s find more about Ikuno Korea Town and the Hong family as they talk about coexistence.

Part I: The Hong Family

Part II: Ikuno Festival in Osaka Shows a Way to Coexist