@humphrey

This is one of the major conservative media groups in South Korea. This is a summary of Hosaka Yuji's new book- Japan's Far-Right Reverses Democratization, Revives Imperial Myths by Yoo Sok-jae

Book traces Japan's far-right roots in ancient myths, warns of imperial revival push

During last July’s Japanese House of Councilors election, the policy platform of the upstart political party Jumin-to prominently featured names that seemed plucked from ancient myths or legends. Among them were Amaterasu Ōkami, the sun goddess, and Emperor Jimmu, regarded as Japan’s first emperor. Campaign speeches and promotional videos even boldly declared, “Amaterasu and Emperor Jimmu are the roots of Japan.”

The author, a naturalized Korean expert in Korea-Japan relations, traces the origins of Japan’s enduring war instincts and far-right ideology in this book. The delusion held by some Japanese that “we are destined to rule the world” dates back to the early 8th century, when the *Nihon Shoki* was compiled. This historical text distorted and politically weaponized myths and traditions to solidify a monarch-centered political system.

This “manufactured divinity” became a driving force that propelled Japanese people to the battlefield. By the Edo period, it had evolved into the ideology of *Kokugaku* (national learning), which proclaimed Japan as the center of the world. Though Japan was semi-forcibly democratized after the war, the author warns that conservative hardliners are reversing the clock, striving to recreate an era resembling the time when the emperor was worshipped as a living god.

I heard the author, on a youtube video yesterday discussing the book's theme on the myth of Japanese superiority on the far right. That would be the factions now governing Japan. Although Japan has some things in common with its East Asian neighbors and former victims, this warlike tradition represented by Shinto religion, is unique. According to the professor, this is the current character of the far right ruling elites now governing Japan. It is not a judgement on the Japanese people. This is reflected in the far right factions currently in power. People cannot ignore this when evaluating Japanese policies. The policies and diplomacy of the current administration are based in beliefs not reality.

Hosaka Yuji, is a political science professor at Sejong University in Seoul,

China warns Japan: attempts to revive militarism will end in another historic defeat - CCTV

Eighty-one years ago, the juggernaut of Japanese militarism was finally brought to a halt by Japan's unconditional surrender. Yet, 81 years later, right-wing forces in Japan continue… pic.twitter.com/XCwKlxiywz

— dana (@dana916) August 18, 2026

The rest of the tweet:

Yet, 81 years later, right-wing forces in Japan continue to distort historical truth and push for the country's further militarization. Under the pretext of so-called "external threats," they are systematically dismantling the constraints established after World War II and rapidly steering Japan down the dead-end path of remilitarization.

History has repeatedly proven that those who attempt to turn back the clock inevitably meet with defeat and disgrace, paying a heavy price for their own reckless gambles.

china3army