Investment in the diplomatic ties: North Korea’s monetary support for Korean schools in Japan

Abstract

This paper explores the purpose behind the funds sent from North Korea to Korean residents in Japan (Zainichi Koreans) during a mid-1950s thaw in the Cold War. By examining the triangular relationship between North Korea, South Korea, and Japan, this article demonstrates that a primary aim of North Korea’s financial support was to cultivate Zainichi Koreans as agents of North Korea who would contribute to the normalisation of Japan-North Korea relations. I argue that North Korean remittances were an investment for inter-ethnic rapprochement during a period of geo-political stalemate between Cold War enemies.