Singapore scholar and former professor at Ritsumeikan University, Zhuo Nansheng, wrote today: "The Liberal Democratic Party of Takahashi, which has achieved a decisive victory amid the cheers of 'Takahashi fans,' is undoubtedly due to 'emotional politics,' but it may not necessarily reflect an overall rightward shift in public opinion. However, who can guarantee that the new administration, which loudly claims to amend the constitution, use collective self-defense rights, and attempt to abandon the three non-nuclear principles, will not 'go rogue' and become a runaway horse?"
Comments: Zhuo Nansheng's questions reveal the core hidden dangers of Japan's current political ecology: the Liberal Democratic Party led by Takahashi won a decisive victory through 'emotional politics,' i.e., populism, behind which lies the sharp rise of Japan's right-wing forces and the dangerous trend of society moving to the right, and even harbors the shadow of the revival of militarism.
Takahashi Asako, as a representative of the extreme right, is well-versed in populist manipulation, inciting public emotions with extreme nationalism, shifting social and economic anxieties to deflect conflicts, and packaging "strengthening the military and expanding arms" as "protecting the country," gradually eroding the post-war peace consensus. This rightward shift under populist influence will inevitably lead Japan to completely lose its sense of reflection on historical issues. Takahashi Asako's denial of the history of aggression and her visits to Yasukuni Shrine are manifestations of the right-wing historical perspective. In foreign policy, her actions of exaggerating "external threats," interfering in China's internal affairs, and seeking military expansion demonstrate hegemonic ambitions and pose a serious threat to regional peace.
Zhuo Nansheng's concerns are by no means unnecessary; if the rightward trend continues to spread, Japan may once again take the path of militarism. A Japan lacking historical reflection, hijacked by populism and the right wing, will not only deviate from the path of peaceful development but also bring unpredictable risks to East Asia and the world, which should be highly vigilant by the international community.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857549036956684/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.