Takahashi, Toshiya

Abstract
The Post-Cold War period has witnessed Japan’s gradual move from a pacifist security posture. Behind this, the emergence of Japanese neo-conservatism (JNC) is important. The JNC attempts to resurrect Japanese traditions in contemporary Japan. During the Koizumi/Abe premiership (2001-7), the JNC experienced its heyday. The JNC upheld a pro-US security policy, distinguished from Japanese ‘old’ conservatism, and justified a hard-line policy towards China and North Korea. Even when the Democratic Party of Japan came to power (2009-), the JNC would not disappear because of its assertion of Japanese national pride as the Japanese people lose confidence in Japan’s economic might.
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