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== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Soda was born on October 20, 1867 in [[Yamaguchi Prefecture]], [[Empire of Japan]]. In his youth, he worked a variety of jobs.<ref name=":0" /> At age 20, he moved to [[Nagasaki]] and worked as an elementary school teacher.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=김 |first=형민 |date=2019-09-06 |title=joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji |script-title=ko:조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 |trans-title=Japanese father of Korean orphans |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40104 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=시사IN |language=ko}}</ref> He then became a sailor on a Norwegian cargo ship.<ref name=":4" /> After Japan's victory in the [[First Sino-Japanese War]] and [[Taiwan under Japanese rule|Japan's acquisition of Taiwan]], he moved to Taiwan and worked in a German-run factory.<ref name=":4" /> He also visited China, and reportedly met Chinese revolutionary [[Sun Yat-sen]] in person, and was inspired by him.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
Soda was born on October 20, 1867 in [[Yamaguchi Prefecture]], [[Empire of Japan]]. In his youth, he worked a variety of jobs.<ref name=":0" /> At age 20, he moved to [[Nagasaki]] and worked as an elementary school teacher.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=김 |first=형민 |date=2019-09-06 |title=joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji |script-title=ko:조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 |trans-title=Japanese father of Korean orphans |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40104 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=시사IN |language=ko}}</ref> He also visited China, and reportedly met Chinese revolutionary [[Sun Yat-sen]] in person, and was inspired by him.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />


Soda professed to being a heavy drinker around this time.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> In 1899, he fell over while drunk on a street in Taiwan. Most people ignored him lying there, and his position put him at risk of physical harm.<ref name=":3" /> A Korean took pity on him, and took him into an inn. The Korean paid for his meal and took care of him, then disappeared without ever telling Soda his name. Soda, moved by this experience, reportedly resolved to help others. He moved to Korea in June 1905 to help the country of his benefactor.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />
Soda professed to being a heavy drinker around this time.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> In 1899, he fell over while drunk on a street in Taiwan. Most people ignored him lying there, and his position put him at risk of physical harm.<ref name=":3" /> A Korean took pity on him and took him into an inn. The Korean paid for his meal took care of him, then disappeared without telling Soda his name. Soda, moved by this experience, reportedly resolved to help others. He moved to Korea in June 1905 to help the country of his benefactor.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />


=== Move to Korea ===
=== Move to Korea ===
[[File:이상재02.png|thumb|217x217px|Yi Sang-jae]]
[[File:이상재02.png|thumb|217x217px|Yi Sang-jae]]
In Korea, Soda began teaching the Japanese language at the {{Ill|YMCA Korea|lt=Hwangsŏng Christian Youth Association|ko|대한기독교청년회연맹}} (now the [[YMCA]] Korea). While there, he met and was inspired by {{Ill|Yi Sang-jae|ko|이상재}}. He then converted to Protestant Christianity, and began practicing and advocating for [[Temperance movement|temperance]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He reportedly befriended prominent Korean activists at the YMCA, including the future President of South Korea [[Syngman Rhee]].<ref name=":3" /> In 1909, he married his wife Ueno Takiko ({{Lang-ja|上野瀧子|label=none}}),<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> who taught English at [[Sookmyung Girls' High School]] and [[Ewha Girls' High School]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
In Korea, Soda began teaching the Japanese language at the {{Ill|YMCA Korea|lt=Hwangsŏng Christian Youth Association|ko|대한기독교청년회연맹}} (now the [[YMCA]] Korea). While there, he met and was inspired by {{Ill|Yi Sang-jae|ko|이상재}}. He then converted to Protestant Christianity and began practicing and advocating for [[Temperance movement|temperance]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He reportedly befriended prominent Korean activists at the YMCA, including the future President of South Korea [[Syngman Rhee]].<ref name=":3" /> In 1909, he married his wife Ueno Takiko ({{Lang-ja|上野瀧子|label=none}}),<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> who taught English at [[Sookmyung Girls' High School]] and [[Ewha Girls' High School]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />


In 1911, during the outbreak of the [[105-Man Incident]], several of Soda's colleagues at the YMCA were arrested by the colonial government.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Soda petitioned their release to the [[Governor-General of Chōsen]] [[Terauchi Masatake]] and the Japanese court in Korea.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> During the 1919 [[March First Movement]] protests, he provided medical aid to and advocated for the release of Korean protestors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />
In 1911, during the outbreak of the [[105-Man Incident]], several of Soda's colleagues at the YMCA were arrested by the colonial government.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Soda petitioned their release to the [[Governor-General of Chōsen]] [[Terauchi Masatake]] and the Japanese court in Korea.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> During the 1919 [[March First Movement]] protests, he provided medical aid to and advocated for the release of Korean protestors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />


In 1913, he founded the [[Keijō]] (Seoul) branch of the Kamakura Orphanage.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> The orphanage was among the first of its kind in Korea.<ref name=":3" /> In 1939, he began renting land in [[Huam-dong]], which became the current site of the Youngnak Borinwon.<ref name=":3" />
In 1913, he founded the [[Keijō]] (Seoul) branch of the Kamakura Orphanage.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> The orphanage was among the first of its kind in Korea. In 1939, he began renting land in [[Huam-dong]], which became the current site of the Youngnak Borinwon.<ref name=":3" />


His sympathetic leanings to Korea invited scrutiny from other Japanese people, who reportedly viewed him as a traitor.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> He was reportedly mocked and called an embarrassment by other Japanese people.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=장 |first=상인 |date=August 2020 |title=hangug-eul salanghaessdeon ilbon-in, ilbon-eul salanghaessdeon hangug-in |script-title=ko:한국을 사랑했던 일본인, 일본을 사랑했던 한국인 |trans-title=Japanese who loved Korea, Korean who loved Japan |url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=D&nNewsNumb=202008100042 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Monthly Chosun]] |language=ko}}</ref> He and his wife received poor treatment from Japanese authorities; he was once arrested because a child in the orphanage had participated in the [[Korean independence movement]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He also received criticism from some Koreans, who viewed him as a potential spy for the Japanese Empire.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Other Koreans recognized his efforts and defended him. According to one anecdote, while struggling with funds for the orphanage, he once found a bundle that was anonymously left for him. The bundle contained a large sum of 1,000 [[Korean yen|yen]] and a note that read:<ref name=":4" />{{Efn|{{Korean|hangul=동포들을 대신하여 감사드립니다. 저는 사정이 있어 국외로 나갑니다. 저는 도둑놈이 아닙니다. 이 돈을 고아들을 위해 써주십시오.|labels=no}}}}
His sympathetic leanings to Korea invited scrutiny from other Japanese people, who reportedly viewed him as a traitor.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> He was reportedly mocked and called an embarrassment by other Japanese people.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=장 |first=상인 |date=August 2020 |title=hangug-eul salanghaessdeon ilbon-in, ilbon-eul salanghaessdeon hangug-in |script-title=ko:한국을 사랑했던 일본인, 일본을 사랑했던 한국인 |trans-title=Japanese who loved Korea, Korean who loved Japan |url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=D&nNewsNumb=202008100042 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Monthly Chosun]] |language=ko}}</ref> He and his wife received poor treatment from Japanese authorities; he was once arrested because a child in the orphanage had participated in the [[Korean independence movement]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He also received criticism from some Koreans, who viewed him as a potential spy for the Japanese Empire.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Other Koreans recognized his efforts and defended him. According to one anecdote, while struggling with funds for the orphanage, he once found a bundle that was anonymously left for him. The bundle contained a large sum of 1,000 [[Korean yen|yen]] and a note that read:<ref name=":4" />{{Efn|{{Korean|hangul=동포들을 대신하여 감사드립니다. 저는 사정이 있어 국외로 나갑니다. 저는 도둑놈이 아닙니다. 이 돈을 고아들을 위해 써주십시오.|labels=no}}}}
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{{Quote|text=Thank you on behalf of my compatriots. I am about to go abroad. I am not a thief. Please use this money on the orphans.}}
{{Quote|text=Thank you on behalf of my compatriots. I am about to go abroad. I am not a thief. Please use this money on the orphans.}}


In 1943, he was invited to a Japanese church in [[Wonsan]], [[Kankyōnan-dō]] ([[South Hamgyong Province]]). He left his wife in charge of Kamakura, and went to the church.<ref name=":0" /> Soda was there during the 1945 [[liberation of Korea]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Upon the liberation, some angered Koreans took revenge against Japanese people. Japanese people fled to the church for safety. The local Koreans, knowing and trusting Soda, reportedly left the church alone.<ref name=":3" /> Soviet troops began to [[Soviet Civil Administration|occupy the northern half of the peninsula]], and began applying pressure to close the church.<ref name=":3" /> In October 1947, Soda led the Japanese community in Wonsan to Seoul, and began arranging for their return to Japan.<ref name=":0" /> Upon his departure, he gave a statement to a newspaper:{{Efn|{{Korean|hangul=한·일 친선은 이루어질 것이다. 경성에만 한국인과 결혼한 여성이 700∼800명이다. 재일 한국인 60만명에 대해서도 일본인은 조금 더 올바르게 이해하기 바란다.|labels=no}}}}
In 1943, he was invited to a Japanese church in [[Wonsan]], [[Kankyōnan-dō]] ([[South Hamgyong Province]]). He left his wife in charge of Kamakura and went to the church.<ref name=":0" /> Soda was there during the 1945 [[liberation of Korea]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Upon the liberation, some angered Koreans took revenge against Japanese people. Japanese people fled to the church for safety. The local Koreans, knowing and trusting Soda, reportedly left the church alone. Soviet troops began to [[Soviet Civil Administration|occupy the northern half of the peninsula]], and began applying pressure to close the church.<ref name=":3" /> In October 1947, Soda led the Japanese community in Wonsan to Seoul and began arranging for their return to Japan.<ref name=":0" /> Upon his departure, he gave a statement to a newspaper:{{Efn|{{Korean|hangul=한·일 친선은 이루어질 것이다. 경성에만 한국인과 결혼한 여성이 700∼800명이다. 재일 한국인 60만명에 대해서도 일본인은 조금 더 올바르게 이해하기 바란다.|labels=no}}}}


{{Quote|text=Korea and Japan will one day be friends. There are 700 to 800 Japanese women married to Koreans in Keijō alone. I hope Japanese people will treat the 600,000 [[Koreans in Japan]] better.}}
{{Quote|text=Korea and Japan will one day be friends. There are 700 to 800 Japanese women married to Koreans in Keijō alone. I hope Japanese people will treat the 600,000 [[Koreans in Japan]] better.}}


Soda's wife remained in Korea in order to keep caring for the orphans. She would eventually die at the age of 72 in January 1950; as Korea and Japan had no diplomatic relations at the time, Soda was unable to visit her grave in Korea.<ref name=":0" />
Soda's wife remained in Korea to for the orphans. She would eventually die at the age of 72 in January 1950; as Korea and Japan had no diplomatic relations at the time, Soda was unable to visit her grave in Korea.<ref name=":0" />


=== Later life ===
=== Later life ===
Upon his return to Japan, Soda began touring Japan, while evangelizing. He was invited to became a pastor at the island [[Shōdoshima]], in a small church of a small village. He accepted the offer and reportedly declined to receive any pay there. In 1951, he retired and stayed at the Akashi Uenomaru Nursing Home. He continued preaching while there. Around 1955, he was invited to speak at the Tokyo Korean YMCA.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=이 |first=대웅 |date=2019-02-22 |title=[hangug-eul salanghan ilbon keuliseucheondeul (1)] ‘goaui abeoji’ soda gaichi(ha) |script-title=ko:[한국을 사랑한 일본 크리스천들 (1)] ‘고아의 아버지’ 소다 가이치(下) |trans-title=[Japanese Christians Who Loved Korea (1)] 'Father of Orphans' Soda Kaichi (Part 2) |url=https://www.christiantoday.co.kr/news/320183 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website={{Ill|Christian Today (South Korean newspaper)|ko|크리스천투데이|lt=Christian Today}} |language=ko}}</ref>
Upon his return to Japan, Soda began touring Japan, while evangelizing. He was invited to a pastor the island [[Shōdoshima]], in a small church a small village. He accepted the offer and reportedly declined to receive any pay there. In 1951, he retired and stayed at the Akashi Uenomaru Nursing Home. He continued preaching while there. Around 1955, he was invited to speak at the Tokyo Korean YMCA.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=이 |first=대웅 |date=2019-02-22 |title=[hangug-eul salanghan ilbon keuliseucheondeul (1)] ‘goaui abeoji’ soda gaichi(ha) |script-title=ko:[한국을 사랑한 일본 크리스천들 (1)] ‘고아의 아버지’ 소다 가이치(下) |trans-title=[Japanese Christians Who Loved Korea (1)] 'Father of Orphans' Soda Kaichi (Part 2) |url=https://www.christiantoday.co.kr/news/320183 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website={{Ill|Christian Today (South Korean newspaper)|ko|크리스천투데이|lt=Christian Today}} |language=ko}}</ref>


A Japanese reporter for ''[[The Asahi Shimbun]]'' reportedly learned about Soda being unable to visit Korea, and published a column on January 1, 1960, in which they advocated for Soda to be allowed to. South Korean pastor [[Kyung-Chik Han]] also joined in the advocacy.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Han, who was then running the Youngnak Borinwon orphanage, served as Soda's guarantor for the trip.<ref name=":6" /> They managed to secure a plane for him; on May 6, 1961, Soda returned via [[Gimpo Airport]] to Korea,<ref name=":6" /> where he would spend the rest of his life.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />
A Japanese reporter for ''[[The Asahi Shimbun]]'' reportedly learned about Soda being unable to visit Korea, and published a column on January 1, 1960, in which they advocated for Soda to be allowed to. South Korean pastor [[Kyung-Chik Han]] also joined in the advocacy.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Han, who was then running the Youngnak Borinwon orphanage, served as Soda's guarantor for the trip. They managed to secure a plane for him; on May 6, 1961, Soda returned via [[Gimpo Airport]] to Korea,<ref name=":6" /> where he would spend the rest of his life.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />


== Death and legacy ==
== Death and legacy ==
He died, aged 96, on March 28, 1962 at the Youngnak Borinwon. A funeral was held for him on April 2 at the building [[Bumingwan]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Reportedly around 2,000 people attended the funeral,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=장 |first=상인 |date=2020-06-02 |title=eun-in-ui nala hangug-eseo heonsinhadaga yanghwajin-e mudhin ilbon-in...‘soda gaichi’ |script-title=ko:은인의 나라 한국에서 헌신하다가 양화진에 묻힌 일본인...‘소다 가이치’ |trans-title=A Japanese man who devoted himself to Korea, the country of his benefactors, and was buried in Yangwhajin...'Soda Kaichi' |url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=9665&NewsNumb=2020069665 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Monthly Chosun]]}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> including his niece Sumiko Masuda.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mI40AAAAIAAJ&dq=%22kaichi+soda%22&pg=RA7-PA21 |title=Korea Journal |date=1961 |publisher=Korean National Commission for UNESCO |publication-date=April 1, 1962 |pages=21 |language=en}}</ref> South Korean leader [[Park Chung Hee]] and Japanese Foreign Minister [[Zentarō Kosaka]] sent flowers to the ceremony.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> He was described in the press as someone who had contributed positively to Japan–Korea relations.<ref name=":5" /> A memorial ceremony was also held for him in Japan, on April 28.<ref name=":6" />
He died, aged 96, on March 28, 1962 at the Youngnak Borinwon. A funeral was held for him on April 2 at the building [[Bumingwan]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /> Reportedly around 2,000 people attended the funeral,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=장 |first=상인 |date=2020-06-02 |title=eun-in-ui nala hangug-eseo heonsinhadaga yanghwajin-e mudhin ilbon-in...‘soda gaichi’ |script-title=ko:은인의 나라 한국에서 헌신하다가 양화진에 묻힌 일본인...‘소다 가이치’ |trans-title=A Japanese man who devoted himself to Korea, the country of his benefactors, and was buried in Yangwhajin...'Soda Kaichi' |url=https://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=9665&NewsNumb=2020069665 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Monthly Chosun]]}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> including his niece Sumiko Masuda.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mI40AAAAIAAJ&dq=%22kaichi+soda%22&pg=RA7-PA21 |title=Korea Journal |date=1961 |publisher=Korean National Commission for UNESCO |publication-date=April 1, 1962 |pages=21 |language=en}}</ref> South Korean leader [[Park Chung Hee]] and Japanese Foreign Minister [[Zentarō Kosaka]] sent flowers to the ceremony.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> He was described in the press as someone who had contributed positively to Japan–Korea relations.<ref name=":5" /> A memorial ceremony was also held for him in Japan, on April 28.<ref name=":6" />
[[File:Grave of Soda Kaichi 02.jpg|thumb|Soda's grave in Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery (2024)]]
[[File:Grave of Soda Kaichi 02.jpg|thumb|Soda's grave in Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery (2024)]]
Before his death, he reportedly asked to be buried in Korea.<ref name=":5" /> His remains were interred in [[Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery]] on April 4.<ref name=":3" /> To date, Soda and his wife are the only Japanese people to be buried there. His grave is marked with a cross, and reads: "Loving father to orphans. The grave of Soda Kaichi [[sensei]]" ({{Lang-ko|孤兒의 慈父 曾田嘉伊智先生之墓|label=none}}). He is buried alongside his wife.<ref name=":0" /> Soda's family removed part of his beard, and buried it in the family cemetery in Japan.<ref name=":4" />
Before his death, he reportedly asked to be buried in Korea.<ref name=":5" /> His remains were interred in [[Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery]] on April 4.<ref name=":3" /> To date, Soda and his wife are the only Japanese people to be buried there. His grave is marked with a cross and reads: "Loving father to orphans. The grave of Soda Kaichi [[sensei]]" ({{Lang-ko|孤兒의 慈父 曾田嘉伊智先生之墓|label=none}}). He is buried alongside his wife.<ref name=":0" /> Soda's family removed part of his beard and buried it in the family cemetery in Japan.<ref name=":4" />


Soda is remembered fondly in South Korea, and is often called "father to Korean orphans".<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=이 |first=희용 |date=2020-11-09 |title='jeonjaeng beomjoe chamhoe' chogguhan 'ilbon-ui yangsim' soda gaichi |script-title=ko:'전쟁 범죄 참회' 촉구한 '일본의 양심' 소다 가이치 |trans-title=Soda Kaichi, the 'Conscience of Japan' who called for 'repentance for war crimes' |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20201105160600371 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=김 |first=형민 |date=2019-09-06 |title=joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji |script-title=ko:조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 |trans-title=Japanese father of Korean orphans |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40104 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=시사IN |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=강 |first=진아 |date=2021-08-10 |title=joseon goaui abeojiga doen ilbon-in…jisigchaeneole, gwangbogjeol teugjib |script-title=ko:조선 고아의 아버지가 된 일본인…지식채널e, 광복절 특집 |trans-title=Japanese Man Who Became Father of Joseon Orphan… Knowledge Channel e, Liberation Day Special |url=https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20210810_0001544297 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=[[Newsis]] |language=ko}}</ref> On April 28, 1962,<ref name=":6" /> he became the first Japanese person to be awarded the [[Order of Cultural Merit (South Korea)|South Korean Order of Cultural Merit]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> In 1964, a memorial ceremony was held for him in Seoul.<ref name=":6" /> He has been featured in Korean documentaries.<ref name=":12" />
Soda is remembered fondly in South Korea, and is often called "father to Korean orphans".<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=이 |first=희용 |date=2020-11-09 |title='jeonjaeng beomjoe chamhoe' chogguhan 'ilbon-ui yangsim' soda gaichi |script-title=ko:'전쟁 범죄 참회' 촉구한 '일본의 양심' 소다 가이치 |trans-title=Soda Kaichi, the 'Conscience of Japan' who called for 'repentance for war crimes' |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20201105160600371 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |work=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=김 |first=형민 |date=2019-09-06 |title=joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji |script-title=ko:조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 |trans-title=Japanese father of Korean orphans |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40104 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=시사IN |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=강 |first=진아 |date=2021-08-10 |title=joseon goaui abeojiga doen ilbon-in…jisigchaeneole, gwangbogjeol teugjib |script-title=ko:조선 고아의 아버지가 된 일본인…지식채널e, 광복절 특집 |trans-title=Japanese Man Who Became Father of Joseon Orphan… Knowledge Channel e, Liberation Day Special |url=https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20210810_0001544297 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=[[Newsis]] |language=ko}}</ref> On April 28, 1962,<ref name=":6" /> he became the first Japanese person to be awarded the [[Order of Cultural Merit (South Korea)|South Korean Order of Cultural Merit]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> In 1964, a memorial ceremony was held for him in Seoul.<ref name=":6" /> He has been featured in Korean documentaries.<ref name=":12" />

Latest revision as of 07:54, 17 October 2024

In this Japanese name, the surname is Soda.
Soda Kaichi
曽田 嘉伊智
Born(1867-10-20)October 20, 1867
Yamaguchi Prefecture, Empire of Japan
DiedMarch 28, 1962(1962-03-28) (aged 94)
Youngnak Borinwon, Seoul, South Korea
Burial placeYanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Occupation(s)Protestant missionary, social worker
Known forCaring for around 1,000 Korean orphans
AwardsOrder of Cultural Merit (South Korea)

Soda Kaichi (曽田 嘉伊智, October 20, 1867 – March 28, 1962) was a Japanese Protestant missionary and social worker. He is remembered in South Korea for his charitable work in Korea under Japanese rule, particularly through the Kamakura Orphanage (鎌倉保育園; now Youngnak Borinwon), which he led from 1921 to 1945.[1][2] During this time, he cared for around a thousand Korean orphans.[3]

He and his wife are the only Japanese people to be buried in Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery, now in Seoul, South Korea.

Biography

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Soda was born on October 20, 1867, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Empire of Japan. In his youth, he worked a variety of jobs.[1] At age 20, he moved to Nagasaki and worked as an elementary school teacher. He then became a sailor on a Norwegian cargo ship. After Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War and Japan's acquisition of Taiwan, he moved to Taiwan and worked in a German-run factory.[4] He also visited China, and reportedly met Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen in person, and was inspired by him.[1][2][4]

Soda professed to being a heavy drinker around this time.[2][4] In 1899, he fell over while drunk on a street in Taiwan. Most people ignored him lying there, and his position put him at risk of physical harm.[2] A Korean took pity on him and took him into an inn. The Korean paid for his meal, took care of him, and then disappeared without telling Soda his name. Soda, moved by this experience, reportedly resolved to help others. He moved to Korea in June 1905 to help the country of his benefactor.[1][2][3]

Move to Korea

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Yi Sang-jae

In Korea, Soda began teaching the Japanese language at the Hwangsŏng Christian Youth Association [ko] (now the YMCA Korea). While there, he met and was inspired by Yi Sang-jae [ko]. He then converted to Protestant Christianity and began practicing and advocating for temperance.[1][2][4] He reportedly befriended prominent Korean activists at the YMCA, including the future President of South Korea Syngman Rhee.[2] In 1909, he married his wife Ueno Takiko (上野瀧子),[3][4] who taught English at Sookmyung Girls' High School and Ewha Girls' High School.[1][3][2]

In 1911, during the outbreak of the 105-Man Incident, several of Soda's colleagues at the YMCA were arrested by the colonial government.[3][1][2] Soda petitioned their release to the Governor-General of Chōsen Terauchi Masatake and the Japanese court in Korea.[1][2][4] During the 1919 March First Movement protests, he provided medical aid to and advocated for the release of Korean protestors.[1][2]

In 1913, he founded the Keijō (Seoul) branch of the Kamakura Orphanage.[1][2] The orphanage was among the first of its kind in Korea. In 1939, he began renting land in Huam-dong, which became the current site of the Youngnak Borinwon.[2]

His sympathetic leanings to Korea invited scrutiny from other Japanese people, who reportedly viewed him as a traitor.[1][2] He was reportedly mocked and called an embarrassment by other Japanese people.[5] He and his wife received poor treatment from Japanese authorities; he was once arrested because a child in the orphanage had participated in the Korean independence movement.[2][4] He also received criticism from some Koreans, who viewed him as a potential spy for the Japanese Empire.[3][2][4] Other Koreans recognized his efforts and defended him. According to one anecdote, while struggling with funds for the orphanage, he once found a bundle that was anonymously left for him. The bundle contained a large sum of 1,000 yen and a note that read:[4][a]

Thank you on behalf of my compatriots. I am about to go abroad. I am not a thief. Please use this money on the orphans.

In 1943, he was invited to a Japanese church in Wonsan, Kankyōnan-dō (South Hamgyong Province). He left his wife in charge of Kamakura and went to the church.[1] Soda was there during the 1945 liberation of Korea.[1][2] Upon the liberation, some angered Koreans took revenge against Japanese people. Japanese people fled to the church for safety. The local Koreans, knowing and trusting Soda, reportedly left the church alone. Soviet troops began to occupy the northern half of the peninsula, and began applying pressure to close the church.[2] In October 1947, Soda led the Japanese community in Wonsan to Seoul and began arranging for their return to Japan.[1] Upon his departure, he gave a statement to a newspaper:[b]

Korea and Japan will one day be friends. There are 700 to 800 Japanese women married to Koreans in Keijō alone. I hope Japanese people will treat the 600,000 Koreans in Japan better.

Soda's wife remained in Korea to care for the orphans. She would eventually die at the age of 72 in January 1950; as Korea and Japan had no diplomatic relations at the time, Soda was unable to visit her grave in Korea.[1]

Later life

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Upon his return to Japan, Soda began touring Japan, while evangelizing. He was invited to become a pastor on the island Shōdoshima, in a small church in a small village. He accepted the offer and reportedly declined to receive any pay there. In 1951, he retired and stayed at the Akashi Uenomaru Nursing Home. He continued preaching while there. Around 1955, he was invited to speak at the Tokyo Korean YMCA.[6]

A Japanese reporter for The Asahi Shimbun reportedly learned about Soda being unable to visit Korea, and published a column on January 1, 1960, in which they advocated for Soda to be allowed to. South Korean pastor Kyung-Chik Han also joined in the advocacy.[2][1][6] Han, who was then running the Youngnak Borinwon orphanage, served as Soda's guarantor for the trip. They managed to secure a plane for him; on May 6, 1961, Soda returned via Gimpo Airport to Korea,[6] where he would spend the rest of his life.[1][2]

Death and legacy

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He died, aged 96, on March 28, 1962, at the Youngnak Borinwon. A funeral was held for him on April 2 at the building Bumingwan.[1][6] Reportedly around 2,000 people attended the funeral,[7][5] including his niece Sumiko Masuda.[8] South Korean leader Park Chung Hee and Japanese Foreign Minister Zentarō Kosaka sent flowers to the ceremony.[1][8] He was described in the press as someone who had contributed positively to Japan–Korea relations.[5] A memorial ceremony was also held for him in Japan, on April 28.[6]

Soda's grave in Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery (2024)

Before his death, he reportedly asked to be buried in Korea.[5] His remains were interred in Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery on April 4.[2] To date, Soda and his wife are the only Japanese people to be buried there. His grave is marked with a cross and reads: "Loving father to orphans. The grave of Soda Kaichi sensei" (孤兒의 慈父 曾田嘉伊智先生之墓). He is buried alongside his wife.[1] Soda's family removed part of his beard and buried it in the family cemetery in Japan.[4]

Soda is remembered fondly in South Korea, and is often called "father to Korean orphans".[9][10][11] On April 28, 1962,[6] he became the first Japanese person to be awarded the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit.[1][2][6] In 1964, a memorial ceremony was held for him in Seoul.[6] He has been featured in Korean documentaries.[11]

Soda was reportedly a private, frugal, and humble person, and did not seek recognition for his actions. It is reportedly difficult to find historical materials about him; information on him largely comes from people who knew him.[2][6]

See also

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  • Tatsuji Fuse – a Japanese lawyer sympathetic to Koreans during the colonial period

Notes

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  1. ^ 동포들을 대신하여 감사드립니다. 저는 사정이 있어 국외로 나갑니다. 저는 도둑놈이 아닙니다. 이 돈을 고아들을 위해 써주십시오.
  2. ^ 한·일 친선은 이루어질 것이다. 경성에만 한국인과 결혼한 여성이 700∼800명이다. 재일 한국인 60만명에 대해서도 일본인은 조금 더 올바르게 이해하기 바란다.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u 이, 희용 (2020-11-09). "'jeonjaeng beomjoe chamhoe' chogguhan 'ilbon-ui yangsim' soda gaichi" '전쟁 범죄 참회' 촉구한 '일본의 양심' 소다 가이치 [Soda Kaichi, the 'Conscience of Japan' who called for 'repentance for war crimes']. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w 전, 정희 (2018-07-27). "saengmyeong guhaejun eun-in-ui nala… hangug goadeul-ui abeoji doeda" 생명 구해준 은인의 나라… 한국 고아들의 아버지 되다 [Soda Kaichi, the 'Conscience of Japan' who called for 'repentance for war crimes']. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "jeungjeongaiji (soda gaichi)" 曾田嘉伊智 (소다 가이치) [Soda Kaichi]. Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j 김, 형민 (2019-09-06). "joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji" 조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 [Japanese father of Korean orphans]. 시사IN (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  5. ^ a b c d 장, 상인 (August 2020). "hangug-eul salanghaessdeon ilbon-in, ilbon-eul salanghaessdeon hangug-in" 한국을 사랑했던 일본인, 일본을 사랑했던 한국인 [Japanese who loved Korea, Korean who loved Japan]. Monthly Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i 이, 대웅 (2019-02-22). "[hangug-eul salanghan ilbon keuliseucheondeul (1)] 'goaui abeoji' soda gaichi(ha)" [한국을 사랑한 일본 크리스천들 (1)] ‘고아의 아버지’ 소다 가이치(下) [[Japanese Christians Who Loved Korea (1)] 'Father of Orphans' Soda Kaichi (Part 2)]. Christian Today [ko] (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  7. ^ 장, 상인 (2020-06-02). "eun-in-ui nala hangug-eseo heonsinhadaga yanghwajin-e mudhin ilbon-in...'soda gaichi'" 은인의 나라 한국에서 헌신하다가 양화진에 묻힌 일본인...‘소다 가이치’ [A Japanese man who devoted himself to Korea, the country of his benefactors, and was buried in Yangwhajin...'Soda Kaichi']. Monthly Chosun. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Korea Journal. Korean National Commission for UNESCO (published April 1, 1962). 1961. p. 21.
  9. ^ 이, 희용 (2020-11-09). "'jeonjaeng beomjoe chamhoe' chogguhan 'ilbon-ui yangsim' soda gaichi" '전쟁 범죄 참회' 촉구한 '일본의 양심' 소다 가이치 [Soda Kaichi, the 'Conscience of Japan' who called for 'repentance for war crimes']. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  10. ^ 김, 형민 (2019-09-06). "joseon-in goadeul-ui ilbon-in abeoji" 조선인 고아들의 일본인 아버지 [Japanese father of Korean orphans]. 시사IN (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
  11. ^ a b 강, 진아 (2021-08-10). "joseon goaui abeojiga doen ilbon-in…jisigchaeneole, gwangbogjeol teugjib" 조선 고아의 아버지가 된 일본인…지식채널e, 광복절 특집 [Japanese Man Who Became Father of Joseon Orphan… Knowledge Channel e, Liberation Day Special]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
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