Unprecedented escalation of risks and a significant drop in the quality of dialogue are emerging in both Asia and the Western world.
Far-Right Movements Emerge in Japan and South Korea, Resembling Western Populism
Two major Asian economies, Japan and South Korea, are experiencing a rise in far-right movements, driven by economic frustrations, national identity concerns, and opposition to immigration, much like the factors fueling Western populism.
In Japan, the far-right party "Sanseito" ("Japanese First") has surged in popularity by capitalizing on public discontent with immigration, inflation, rising living costs, and perceived threats to traditional culture and national sovereignty [1][3][4]. The party's leader, Sohei Kamiya, promotes a nationalist, anti-immigration agenda, blaming foreign influence for Japan’s problems and appealing to voters through a populist rhetoric that mixes economic anxiety with cultural protectionism [3].
The rise of Sanseito mirrors Western populist movements such as Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) campaign. Sanseito has gained wide traction through social media platforms with anti-vaccine and anti-mask messaging and nationalist appeals, much like Western populist groups' use of online channels to bypass traditional media [1][2]. Japan’s traditional ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has lost ground amid scandals and economic troubles, creating political space for these movements that promise to prioritize “Japanese First” against globalization and multiculturalism [1][3].
South Korea is also witnessing a rise in far-right movements, motivated by similar issues of national identity, reaction against immigration, economic inequality, and dissatisfaction with the establishment. The main right-wing party in South Korea is undergoing a transformative phase, becoming almost unrecognizable [6]. This transformation recalls a similar trend in the West and is influenced by religious groups, specifically Evangelical churches [5].
These South Korean far-right movements share with Japan and Western populisms the use of nationalist rhetoric, opposition to perceived foreign threats (including North Korea and immigration), and social conservatism. Similarities to Western populisms include nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments, populist communication styles, economic anxiety, and a reaction against the political establishment [1][3].
Japan stands out among rich countries for its low immigration, while South Korea has a lower proportion of foreigners compared to its neighboring country [2]. However, the need for foreign labor, especially to care for the elderly, is becoming increasingly apparent in Japan.
In conclusion, far-right movements in Japan and South Korea are responses to socio-economic pressures and cultural anxieties akin to those seen in Western populism, sharing a nationalist, anti-immigration identity politics and populist communication strategies, though shaped by local histories and political systems [1][3].
References:
- The Diplomat
- The Guardian
- The Asahi Shimbun
- Nikkei Asia
- Reuters
- CNN
- The gambling trends in Japan have led to a debate surrounding policy and legislation, with some far-right parties advocating stricter regulations on casino-and-gambling establishments to shield citizens from perceived negative social impacts.
- Amidst these developments in politics, general-news outlets in Japan have reported an increase in violent crime and social unrest, including incidents of hate crimes and xenophobia against immigrants, which some argue are linked to the rise of far-right movements.
- In South Korea, far-right political groups have focused on war-and-conflicts, promoting militant nationalism and a hardline stance against North Korea, in contrast to the more conciliatory approaches of the establishment.
- Interestingly, despite the rise in far-right movements, South Korea has seen a decrease in accidents related to transportation and industrial safety, as these political forces have called for improved regulations and oversight in these areas [5].
- However, the impact of these far-right movements on crime-and-justice systems in Japan and South Korea remains unclear, as experts argue that more research is needed to understand the long-term effects on democratic institutions and social cohesion.
