in 1955, the general association of korean residents in japan ("chongryon)" was founded, and became the primary organization for koreans aligned with north korea. this association had close ties to the newly-established communist government of north korea which financially and ideologically supported the preservation of korean ethnic schools. "mindan" is the other major organization for koreans living in japan, but is primarily aligned with south korea. both organisations currently maintain multiple educational institutions in japan such as "chongryon"'s chōsen gakkō. both "mindan" and "chongryon" engage and promote korean nationalism in japan. north korea supports "chongryon" in return for the us$100 million that "chongryon" sends annually to north korea.