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''Bring power back to people'': Maga-style ''anti-globalist'' politics arrives in Japan

MAGA-Style Anti-Globalist Politics Arrives in Japan

In a surprising twist to Japan's traditionally consensus-driven political landscape, a wave of anti-globalist sentiment reminiscent of Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement is gaining traction. This emerging trend, characterized by nationalist rhetoric, skepticism toward international institutions, and a focus on reclaiming sovereignty, is reshaping the discourse in one of Asia's most stable democracies. As Japan grapples with economic stagnation, demographic challenges, and geopolitical tensions, politicians and activists are increasingly adopting populist strategies that echo the anti-establishment fervor seen in the United States and parts of Europe.

At the forefront of this shift is a cadre of conservative figures within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and emerging fringe groups. Sanae Takaichi, a prominent LDP lawmaker and former internal affairs minister, has become a symbol of this new wave. Known for her hawkish views on defense and her reverence for Japan's imperial history, Takaichi has openly criticized what she perceives as excessive globalism eroding national identity. In recent speeches, she has lambasted international trade deals and multilateral organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations, arguing that they prioritize global elites over ordinary Japanese citizens. "Japan must put Japan first," she declared at a rally in Tokyo last month, drawing cheers from supporters waving national flags. This slogan bears an uncanny resemblance to Trump's "America First" mantra, signaling a deliberate alignment with populist nationalism.

The roots of this anti-globalist surge can be traced to several intertwined factors. Economically, Japan has been mired in decades of low growth, deflation, and a shrinking workforce due to an aging population. The influx of foreign labor, intended to address labor shortages, has sparked backlash among those who fear cultural dilution and job competition. Anti-immigration sentiments, once muted in polite Japanese society, are now being amplified on social media platforms and in political campaigns. Groups like the Japan First Party, a small but vocal outfit founded in 2016, have capitalized on these anxieties. Led by Makoto Sakurai, a former Tokyo gubernatorial candidate, the party advocates for stricter border controls, reduced foreign aid, and a withdrawal from what they call "globalist traps" such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Sakurai's fiery online videos, which rack up millions of views, often decry "global elites" in Davos and Brussels for imposing policies that harm Japan's sovereignty.

This movement isn't confined to the fringes. Even mainstream LDP politicians are incorporating anti-globalist elements into their platforms, especially as the party prepares for potential leadership changes following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's tenure. Taro Kono, another LDP heavyweight, has voiced concerns over digital globalization, warning that tech giants like Google and Meta are undermining national data security. Meanwhile, younger activists are drawing inspiration from international figures. Social media influencers in Japan have begun sharing content that mirrors MAGA aesthetics—red hats emblazoned with "Make Japan Great Again" slogans, memes mocking "woke" globalism, and conspiracy-laden posts about the World Economic Forum (WEF) orchestrating a "great reset" against national interests.

Geopolitically, Japan's position in East Asia amplifies these sentiments. Tensions with China over territorial disputes in the East China Sea, coupled with North Korea's missile threats, have fueled a desire for a more assertive, independent foreign policy. Anti-globalists argue that alliances like the Quad (comprising Japan, the US, Australia, and India) are insufficient and that Japan should prioritize bilateral deals that favor its own interests rather than multilateral frameworks. This echoes Trump's disdain for NATO and his push for "fair" trade deals. In Japan, this manifests in calls to revise Article 9 of the constitution, which renounces war, to allow for a more robust military posture free from what critics call "globalist pacifism imposed by the West."

Public opinion polls reflect this growing appeal. A recent survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that 45% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Japan's involvement in global institutions, up from 30% five years ago. Among younger voters, aged 18-35, support for nationalist policies has surged, driven by economic insecurity and a sense of cultural displacement. "Globalization promised prosperity, but it delivered inequality and loss of control," said Hiroshi Tanaka, a 28-year-old office worker in Osaka who attended a Japan First rally. "We need leaders who fight for us, not for some international agenda."

Critics, however, warn that this MAGA-inspired politics could isolate Japan at a time when global cooperation is crucial. Opposition parties like the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) have accused anti-globalists of stoking xenophobia and undermining alliances that have ensured Japan's security since World War II. "Borrowing from Trump's playbook might energize a base, but it risks alienating our partners," remarked Yukio Edano, a CDPJ leader. Economists point out that Japan's export-dependent economy relies heavily on global trade; withdrawing from agreements could exacerbate stagnation. Moreover, the movement's emphasis on traditional values has raised concerns about gender equality and minority rights, with some rhetoric veering into anti-LGBTQ+ territory, mirroring culture wars in the US.

Despite these criticisms, the anti-globalist wave shows no signs of abating. Social media has been a key accelerator, with platforms like Twitter (now X) and YouTube allowing rapid dissemination of populist messages. Influencers such as Toru Hashimoto, a former Osaka mayor turned commentator, blend humor and outrage to critique "globalist media" like the BBC and CNN for biased reporting on Japan. This digital ecosystem fosters a sense of community among disaffected voters, much like the online MAGA networks in the US.

Looking ahead, the upcoming LDP leadership election could be a litmus test. If figures like Takaichi gain prominence, it might signal a broader shift toward isolationism. Analysts speculate that external events, such as a potential Trump victory in the 2024 US presidential election, could further embolden Japanese anti-globalists, creating a trans-Pacific echo chamber of nationalism.

In essence, the arrival of MAGA-style politics in Japan represents a confluence of domestic frustrations and global populist trends. While it challenges the status quo, it also poses questions about Japan's future role on the world stage. Will this movement lead to a more assertive, self-reliant Japan, or will it fracture the social harmony that has long defined the nation? As rallies grow and slogans echo, the answer may reshape not just Japanese politics, but the broader Asian geopolitical landscape.

This phenomenon is not isolated; it draws parallels with similar movements in South Korea, where anti-globalist voices criticize free trade agreements, and in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalism shares anti-globalist undertones. In Japan, however, the blend of economic pragmatism and cultural conservatism adds a unique flavor. For instance, anti-globalists often invoke the Meiji Restoration of 1868 as a model for national revival, arguing that Japan must once again "modernize on its own terms" without foreign interference.

Supporters argue that this isn't mere imitation of Trump but a genuine response to globalization's failures. "MAGA resonates because it speaks to universal truths," said a Japan First spokesperson. "Countries everywhere are waking up to the fact that globalism benefits the few at the expense of the many." Detractors, including academics like Professor Aiko Yamamoto of Tokyo University, counter that such rhetoric oversimplifies complex issues. "Japan's success has been built on international engagement," she noted in a recent op-ed. "Turning inward could undo decades of progress."

As debates intensify, one thing is clear: anti-globalist politics has firmly planted its flag in Japan, challenging the liberal international order and inviting comparisons to populist upheavals worldwide. Whether it evolves into a dominant force or remains a vocal minority will depend on how effectively it addresses the real grievances of the Japanese people— from wage stagnation to cultural preservation—while navigating the pitfalls of division and isolation. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/maga-style-anti-globalist-politics-arrives-in-japan ]