Japan Goes Nationalist Again
//Summary - Level-B2//
Japan is becoming increasingly nationalist following recent elections, with new right-wing parties gaining significant support. Many people are dissatisfied with the government's globalist policies, rising immigration, and economic issues, including inflation. A new party, Sanseito, promotes "Japan First" and opposes the sale of land to foreigners. Although the media calls them far-right, they did better than expected in elections. Some Japanese people fear losing their culture, as immigration is likely to increase to 3.8 million people by 2024. Many compare Japan's situation to Europe and the U.S., saying Japan still has time to protect its national identity before it changes too much.
1. Background: Japan's Political Shift
Japan recently held elections, indicating a shift toward more nationalist, right-leaning politics.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has dominated Japan's political landscape since the end of World War II. Under former Prime Minister Abe, the party took a more nationalist stance.
After Abe's assassination, two more liberal/globalist-leaning prime ministers led, promoting LGBTQ rights and mass immigration.
Some Japanese now feel these leaders betrayed traditional values.
2. Immigration and Cultural Concerns
The speakers criticise Japan's recent increase in immigration, especially workers from Pakistan, India, China, and Vietnam.
They argue that Japan's homogeneous culture is at risk, and social trust may decline as the number of immigrants increases.
Japan still has fewer immigrants compared to Western countries, but in 2024, the foreign population jumped by 10.5% to 3.8 million, causing alarm among some Japanese.
3. New Right-Wing Parties Rising
A new nationalist party, Sankei-to (Sanseito), also called the "Do-It-Yourself" party, gained attention. It began in 2020 as a response to COVID-19 policies and globalisation.
The party promotes ideas like "Japan First", protecting agriculture, and stopping the sale of land to foreigners (especially to Chinese buyers).
Despite being called "far-right" or "xenophobic" by mainstream media, they won more seats than expected, between 14 and 20 seats.
4. Media Response and Public Opinion
Japanese mainstream media, like in the West, is left-leaning and tries to discredit nationalists by calling them racists or conspiracy theorists.
However, many supporters of these parties now obtain their information from the internet, thereby avoiding traditional news sources.
The speakers compare this trend to Trump's MAGA movement and European populist parties, where people reject globalist agendas in favour of a national identity.
5. Final Thoughts and Outlook
Economic problems, such as rising prices (especially for rice) and increased immigration, contributed to a shift in public opinion.
The nationalist movement in Japan is no longer just a fringe idea—it's gaining real support.
Critics worry that Japan might lose its unique culture and become like Europe or the UK, where immigration has significantly altered the social landscape.
Still, Japan has acted earlier than Western countries did, and some feel there's still time to protect its identity.
Japan Goes Nationalist Again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMJZznkNzPY
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