Case Reiwa 6 (wa) 74: Arson of Non-Residential Structures, Forest Law Violation, Housebreaking, and Theft

In 2025, a series of fires in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, targeted properties owned by Zainichi Koreans. Korean national Lee Joon-hyuk was charged with setting fire to several unoccupied buildings and residences, causing a forest fire, breaking into homes, and stealing valuables. The case, docketed as Reiwa 6 (wa) 74, raised alarm over hate crimes. The defendant was arrested in January 2025, and the trial highlighted ethnic tensions. The fires destroyed multiple structures and damaged nearby forestland, while stolen items included cash and personal belongings from the invaded dwellings.

On June 9, 2026, the Maebashi District Court convicted Lee Joon-hyuk on all counts and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. The court recognized the ethnic hatred motive but did not apply a specific hate crime law. An appeal is expected.

Whether the acts were motivated by anti-Korean animus; disputes over the extent of forest damage; the legality of evidence obtained during the investigation; and the connection between the burglaries and the arson.

The case heightened fears within the Korean community in Japan, prompted diplomatic protests from South Korea, and renewed calls for Japan to enact hate crime legislation. It also sparked public debate on integration and discrimination against ethnic minorities.