Draft:Far-right politics in Japan

Far-right politics in Japan since 1945 refers to the various political movements, ideologies, and organizations characterized by nationalist, conservative and often militarist, revisionist, reactionary, xenophobic and nativist views on Japanese history, culture, and foreign policy. Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, these movements have encompassed a wide spectrum of beliefs and tactics, ranging from ultranationalist groups (Uyoku dantai) advocating for a return to pre-war militarism to mainstream political parties advocating for conservative policies.

Overview

The roots of modern far-right politics in Japan can be traced back to the period of Allied occupation (1945–1952) following Japan's defeat in the Second World War. Ultraconservative factions within Japanese society reacted against the reforms imposed by the Allied powers and rejected the liberal democratic ideals promoted by the occupying forces. This period saw the emergence of nationalist groups such as the Uyoku dantai who sought to preserve traditional Japanese values and sovereignty. Terms such as Kokutai (国体), Yamato-damashii (大和魂), Bushido (武士道), and Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion constitute integral components of the Japanese far-right. Kokutai, the concept of national polity, is invoked to emphasize the unity and homogeneity of the Japanese people, often to the exclusion of minorities, while Yamato-damashii, the "spirit of Yamato," glorifies perceived virtues and instills national pride, sometimes leading to chauvinistic interpretations of Japanese identity. Bushido, the warrior code, is romanticized to symbolize martial spirit and cultural superiority, justifying militarism and acts of aggression. Additionally, Shinto, the indigenous religion, is appropriated to foster cultural exclusivity and justify discriminatory policies. These concepts collectively shape the discourse and actions of far-right movements, influencing domestic politics and international relations in Japan.

Japan's far-right often engage in racist and xenophobic sentiment towards immigrants and ethnic minorities, most notably against the Zainichi Koreans in which Japanese ultranationalists refer to them as the derogatory term "sangokujin." These groups are often portrayed as threats to the perceived homogeneity and cultural purity of the Japanese nation, leading to discriminatory and hate acts committed towards them by far-right extremists.

Far-right elements in Japan have often been associated with historical revisionism, particularly regarding Imperial Japan's actions during World War II and its colonial past. Debates over issues such as war crimes and comfort women have sparked controversies both domestically and internationally, highlighting the complex relationship between far-right politics, nationalism, and historical memory in Japan.

Despite being marginalized to some extent within Japanese society, far-right groups continue to exert influence through grassroots activism, social media (Netto-uyoku), and cultural movements. Far-right organizations and lobby groups such as the Nippon Kaigi exert significant influence within the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan's main conservative party and ruling party since 2012, with incumbent Prime minister Fumio Kishida being a member of the organization. Moreover, their nationalist rhetoric and revisionist narratives have occasionally strained Japan's relations with neighboring countries, particularly South Korea and China, raising concerns about regional stability and historical reconciliation.

Incidents

Recent incidents perpetrated by far-right individuals and organizations include:

In September 2014, a large-scale hate speech rally targeting Korean residents was held in Kawasaki. Organized by far-right groups, the rally featured inflammatory speeches and discriminatory slogans, sparking condemnation from human rights organizations and calls for stronger legal measures against hate speech.

Since 2013, far-right groups have organized multiple anti-Korean demonstrations in the Shin-Okubo district of Tokyo, known for its large Korean population and cultural influence. These demonstrations have often led to tense standoffs with counter-protesters and increased police presence in the area.

In 2018, the Tokyo headquarters of Chongryon, the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, was targeted in an attack where several bullets were fired at the building.

In 2022, Tachikawa Makoto trespassed and vandalized three Korean schools in Osaka Prefecture, including the Korean International School where the first floor of the building was damaged by a fire made by Makoto. In September 2022, a 22-year-old man set fire to and destroyed seven buildings in Utoro, the ethnic Korean district of Uji after believing in online misinformation that the area was “illegally occupied.”