韩国人民抵制日本货

A territorial dispute over a group of islands is heating up between South Korea and Japan. Known in Japan as "Takeshima" and in South Korea as the "Dokdo", the islands claimed by both sides are the cause of a boycott by South Korean grocers and corner shop owners against Japanese products.

“Please give me a packet of mild seven cigarettes.”

Tobacco Vendor, Seoul, South Korea, said, “Sorry, we don’t sell mild seven.”

It’s not the first time that Japanese products are rejected by its Asian neighbors.

A South Korean consumer association, which counts some 6 million members, has joined 80 community organizations and 60 vendor groups, vowed to ban Japanese goods in the South Korean market.

They are set to ignite a nationwide protest against imported food and drinks, garments, electronics and cars from its East Asian trading partner.

Just like this tobacco store in Seoul, where you are not able to find any mainstream Japanese cigarettes.

Tobacco Vendor, Seoul, South Korea, said, “It has some impact on my sales, but Japan keeps saying that the Dokdo are theirs, we can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

It’s not the first time such protests occur, but they are the biggest ones so far. Some retail analysts say, if these powerful commerce associations refuse to deal with Japanese goods, Japanese companies are likely to feel the pinch.

Brands like Nikon, Sony, Toyota and Nissan are expected to see a slide of sales in South Korea. But some vendors question that the protest will solve the issue.