ITSUKO KUWAYAMA,
Sir, - I am a Japanese woman who has lived in Ireland for two years. Your country has always been special to me. I have enjoyed the hospitality and good nature of the Irish people.
However, my positive views of your country were greatly diminished when I and my Japanese friend were the victims of a racist attack in the Phoenix Park after the Irish soccer team's homecoming celebrations.
I greatly enjoyed the celebrations and the music, but on the way out of the park a group of seven Irish teenagers assaulted my friend and me. We were punched and kicked and had our hair pulled viciously. We tried to defend ourselves, but it was two against seven. They then stole our hats and tried to steal our bags. When I informed a garda about the attack, he did not seem to be interested in pursuing the matter.
Japanese people warmly welcomed the Irish soccer fans to our country. My Japanese friends love Ireland. So this incident has shocked and disturbed us. We were attacked because we were foreigners. I believe that the gardaí do not do enough to investigate these attacks. This only makes it more likely that such attacks will continue to increase. I am saddened and dismayed at the actions of these teenagers and I hope that other foreigners do not have to go through what we went through. - Yours, etc.,
ITSUKO KUWAYAMA, Fishermans Wharf, Ringsend, Dublin 4.