The Return of Zainichi Korean to North Korea and the Role of Local Governments - Focused on the Niigata Kyouryoku Organization

Focusing on Niigata Prefecture, this article aims to clarify the implementation process and facilitating factors of the return of Zainichi Korean to North Korea. In previous studies, important discussions have been made mainly on the International Red Cross, the Chochongryeon (朝鮮総連), and North Korea-Japan relations. On the other hand, social organizations and local governments that have engaged in practical cooperation received relatively less attention. Based on existing research, this article focuses on the practical movements surrounding the return of Zainichi Korean to North Korea that occurred in Niigata Prefecture from 1959 to the early 1960s, discussions on extending the agreement, and public relations activities. Although the North Korean repatriation support activities in Niigata Prefecture are not determinants of the North Korean return project, it is suggested that they played a role in facilitating the continuation of the North Korean repatriation in a critical phase.