Japan’s Contemporary Nationalism: Trends and Politico-Security Drivers

Contemporary Japanese nationalism is the principal force behind Japan’s gradual shift towards ‘normal’ statehood and what has been called as ‘reluctant realism’. The nature and content of this nationalism is, however, very much dissimilar to that which characterized its militarist past. This nationalist streak is largely elitist and assumes softer undertones as it percolates down to the masses. The article argues that contemporary assertive Japanese nationalism is the force behind Tokyo’s quest for a redefinition of its national identity befitting its international status and global role.