Tag Archives: Ultra-nationalism

East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front documentary screening cancelled due to ultra-nationalist pressure

Posted on May 5, 2021 by William Andrews

A cinema in Kanagawa Prefecture has called off the screenings of Searching for the Wolf (Ōkami o sagashite) scheduled for May due to pressure from ultra-nationalists. In a statement released 4 May, the operator of Atsugi Cinema Kiki said that … Continue reading →

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Emperor Akihito’s abdication date confirmed amid growing anti-emperor protests and republican discourse in Japan

Posted on Dec 11, 2017 by William Andrews

Finally ending months of speculation and anticipation, it was confirmed on 1 December that Emperor Akihito would formally abdicate on 30 April 2019. His son, Naruhito, will then ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the Heisei era will end and a … Continue reading →

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A review of Japanese ultra-nationalism mockumentary Go! Go! Second-Time Gaijin

Posted on Aug 26, 2017 by William Andrews

As we approach the end of the Heisei period with the abdication of the current emperor — a situation unprecedented in modern times — we can expect the sound and fury of the ultra-nationalists’ black vans, known as uyoku gaisensha, … Continue reading →

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On the campaign trail with the eternal rebel Kōichi Toyama

Posted on Jul 1, 2017 by William Andrews

It’s election season in Tokyo again, which can mean only one thing: noise. Elections are a clamorous affair, from stump speeches delivered on top of vehicles in plazas, to the constant pilgrimage of campaign vans roaming around the neighbourhoods, blaring … Continue reading →

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Emperor Akihito’s abdication reanimates anti-emperor protest movement in Japan

Posted on Jun 12, 2017 by William Andrews

Emperor Akihito’s unprecedented video address in August 2016, when he hinted at his wish to abdicate due to the strain of his official role at his advanced age, prompted an avalanche of discussion about Japan’s monarchy: the rumoured troubles between … Continue reading →

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