Nippon uber alles?

Is Japan's current surge in nationalism a threatening tsunami or is it a storm in a cup of green tea? KS surfs the wave to see where it is going.

If patriotism is, as writer Samuel Johnson once opined, "the last refuge of a scoundrel", nationalism - the nastier, more violent version of it, anyway - may best be described as the scoundrel's first, friendliest choice. It's a creature with tough bones, and has been seen in many guises over the centuries: Roman subjugation, British imperialism, the Lebensraum ("Living Space") invasions of Nazi Germany. Locally, history found nationalism wearing the guise of 'expansion,' which is perhaps a nicer way to describe the ground invasions of China and Korea in the first half of the 20th century that claimed the lives of thousands and birthed a bitterness between the countries that is felt still today. Japanese right-wing, pro-military nationalism was given a solid thumping at the end of World War II, though many say the signs are unmistakable that a wave of neo-nationalism is sweeping the country and paving the way for a return to Japan's military golden years.

The all-black gaisensha trucks of Japan's right-wing nationalist groups have, of course, been around for decades - easily recognizable as much for the blood-red 'rising suns' painted on the sides as for the ear-bursting volume at which they pump rightwing propaganda and militant music through the loudspeakers. The new nationalism isn't quite as irritating; however, it is, as commentators from papers as far-flung as the Asahi Shimbun and the Washington Post have claimed, no less dangerous, and far more mainstream.

Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to the contentious Yasukuni Shrine - and current PM Shinzo Abe's refusal to rule out the same - perhaps led the way. Following Japan's increasingly pro-military ambitions (spurred, in part, by Japan's role assisting the US in its current Gulf War, the national Defense Agency was upgraded to a Defense Ministry late last year); increased bouts of government-approved patriotic fervor (the Cabinet approved a bill to "instill patriotism in the classroom" at the end of March); decreased drive to cop to unpleasant historical truths (witness the recent flap about the apologies to the "comfort women" of WWII); all-out attacks (sometimes physical) on groups and citizens who speak out against rightwing nationalism; and one is perhaps left with an undeniable picture of a rightward-lurching country again seizing the reins of nationalism to do …

Well, what, exactly?

"Over the past ten to fifteen years, there certainly has been an increased visibility in right-wing nationalism, as well as an overall shift in popular opinion to the right (and hence toward more nationalist) positions," says Michael Bourdaghs, author of The Dawn that Never Comes: Shimazaki Tozon and Japanese Nationalism. "Given the economic slump Japan went through, this is hardly surprising – it was even predictable. I also think, however, that the wave has crested, and that it is also important to point out that right-wing nationalism remains a minority position in terms of overall Japanese popular opinion."

Experts on Japanese nationalism are quick to point out that the nationalism of other nations should also be recognized ("One could - and should - make similar cases about China, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries," Bourdaghs says), and that a clear definition of what constitutes "rightwing nationalism" is key to describing what is currently going on in Japan.

"If [right-wing nationalism] means a return to imperialist expansionism at the expense of other Asian nations and authoritarianism at home, then no, there's not a rising wave of right-wing nationalism in Japan," says Brian McVeigh, East Asian Studies adjunct instructor at the University of Arizona and author of Nationalisms of Japan: Managing and Mystifying Identity. "If it means a response to emerging threats in Japan's international neighborhood, then yes, nationalism is rising, though I think its 'rise' is really nothing new.

"Nationalism has always been there, but is now being acknowledged and mobilized against potential overseas threats," McVeigh continues. "What is called 'right-wing' in Japan would be called 'realistic' anywhere else. By assuming there is a stark choice - between a passive, pacifist, defenseless Japan or an assertive, militarist, and right-wing Japan - people are led to a distorted view of the reality of Japan's policies, which have, in fact, been reasonable up to this point if compared to the reactions of other nations."

It goes without saying that Japan's relationship with North Korea is somewhat strained at the moment. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il's nuclear aspirations are not looked upon very kindly (Japan is well within missile range, keep in mind), and the nation's continuing refusal to account for a number of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago has hurt relations considerably. In the face of such an antagonist, some argue, Japan's current spurt of nationalism - popular or no - is the absolute proper response.

"In the long run, the fact that Abe and his Cabinet are disliked at home or abroad is probably irrelevant; whoever is in charge will have to confront the dangerous neighborhood of Asia," McVeigh says. "My sense is that within Japan, many are in fact relieved that a clear-headed politician who does not appease Japan's enemies is in charge. This does not, however, mean that they agree or like Abe's ultra-conservative views on 'patriotic education,' etc. But the Japanese people know a threat - North Korea - when they see one, and expect leadership."

North Korea aside, others disagree as to whether nationalism is the right road for the nation to go down. "I'm concerned by the existence of manga artists like Kobayashi Yoshinori, whose work is blatantly revisionist; couple his work, which is fairly widely read, with remarks by Prime Minister Abe that there is little conclusive evidence to 'prove' the existence of Comfort Women, and there is quite a strong possibility that young Japanese, not especially well-educated about Japan's recent history, may easily be swayed to follow a more nationalistic path," says Tim Iles, Assistant Professor of Japanese studies at the University of Victoria.

"Prime Minister Abe is not helping his or his country's cause by suggesting the most 'impolitic' of things around Japan's wartime history," Iles continues. "The fact is that neither Korea nor China are ready to let this issue of the war fade away; there's little Japan can do perhaps to change their opinions, but it would help if Mr. Abe wouldn't deny historical realities which previous Japanese governments have accepted and apologized for."

Growing or not, the "right-wing nationalism" of Japan seems to be a quickly-tiring monster. Despite some success in advancing their agenda, Abe and his Cabinet remain mired in sub-fifty percent approval ratings. Moreover, the more-nationalistic sentiments the government has offered have quickly been repudiated (facing censure in the US House of Representatives, Abe eventually reversed course and reaffirmed the Japanese government's apology for its role in the 'comfort women' of WWII); as well, Japan seems on course to tie itself closer to its neighbors, rather than further antagonize them (last month saw a successful meeting between Abe and Chinese Premiere Wen Jiabao, the first leader from the country to visit Japan in seven years). Most importantly, however, may be the growing strength and rising nationalistic fervor of numerous other nations across the globe; even if a rising tide of nationalism eventually lifts Japan's military from the depths, the nation may simply find itself in an ocean surrounded by much bigger boats.

Text: Jeff Lo • Images: Jack Lefcourt