Between East and West

The Neo-Nationalism of an Enduringly Nationalist Japan

Abstract

Japan has a longstanding history of nationalism, influenced by their geo-political position between the global East and West. This paper explores the dual dynamics that have impacted the development of Japanese nationalism, as well as the rise in Japanese neo-nationalism that can be seen today. To contextualize this discussion, this paper first examines the phenomenon of nationalism and its linkage to right-wing political ideology from a Western lens. Following this, an overview of the Eastern origins of Japanese nationalism is provided. In reflection of the common rhetoric deployed by Japanese neo-nationalists, this paper argues that ignoring the significance of Japan’s relation to neighbouring Eastern states throughout history is a grave error. By contextualizing Japanese nationalism with respect to the overlapping impact of Eastern and Western forces, this paper offers a more robust examination of how nationalism in Japan has been constructed over time.