The Historical Recognition of Japanese Neo-Nationalism
Journal Title: International Journal of Korean History - Year 2012, Vol 17, Issue 2
Abstract
In this thesis, I will examine the actual situation of distorted historical consciousness which has been spread in Japanese society and analyze how this has been encouraged through the Neo-Nationalism-related websites. Especially, I will concentrate that the various opinions given on the website are reflected in the Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform (abbreviated as HTR) textbook. Also, I’d like to review all conditions of Japanese society, and take into account the powered people who have allowed this to happen. The ‘Liveralist view of history’ is the home country-centric view of history. Intellectuals of ‘Liberalist view of history’ criticize that many history textbooks contain only the dark side of Japan by emphasizing Japan’s imperialistic invasion, the colony rule, and war crimes in modern-contemporary history. They insist that it should be an ‘anti-Japan’ description of history. The HTR’s views have directly affected the postwar generation’s historical knowledge, and have encouraged right-wing organizations. The HTR’s propagation of distorted historical recognition through various media would have a negative influence on Japan’s own people as well as on all East-Asians. The recognition and attitude of Japanese Neo-Nationalists on the past history is dishonest and prejudiced. With the negative attitude on the East-Asian peace, the revision of the Peace Constitution and the revision of the Basic Education Act are involved in the political agenda, and the principles of education have been put at risk. Under the pretext of ‘patriotism,’ a lot of politicians insist on the revision of the constitution and the amendment of fundamental education law. They assert that Japan must accept the self-defense forces as the military. Such assertions are spread through diverse websites. This is a very serious problem, because the assertion of this ‘Liberalist view of history’ is generally accepted by people without any criticism. The public’s emotional agreement, affected by the distorted ideology of its website and textbook, will accelerate Japan’s dialogue on the military reconstruction. We must not overlook that the Neo-Nationalist movement whitewashes Japanese history to explain its society’s identity crisis, and revives Japanese military resurgence.
Authors and Affiliations
Gyu Soo Yi
Keywords
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