Contemporary Japanese rightist movements

Abstract

This dissertation examines various aspects of the contemporary movements of Japanese rightists. Based on a typology of the rightists, this study examines key actors in each of the movements. Why and how the movements become organized, and how they maintain the momentum of their movements are also examined. Particular attention is paid to the external and internal conditions that affect the ebb and flow of their movements and factors that decide the successes and failures of the movements. Based on their significance and representative value, the Yasukuni Shrine movement, the Textbook movement and the Senkaku/Diaoyu movement are chosen as case studies. Their domestic foes, represented by the counter-movements of the Japanese leftists, who have formed alliances with foreign peoples victimized by Japana??s past aggressions, are also introduced and examined.