Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Who Really Controls Japan's Far Right?
Sep 24, 2025
The podcast explores the surprising rise of Japan's far-right party, Sanseitō, which gained attention with its controversial 'Japan First' agenda. It delves into the role of instability in pushing extremist movements and examines the historical context of Japan's conservative politics. The discussion also highlights how young voters became influenced by online disinformation during the pandemic. Allegations of foreign funding and manipulation raise questions about the authenticity of this political surge, prompting a deeper look into its implications for Japanese democracy.
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Instability Expands Political Possibility
- Times of instability widen the Overton window and let fringe movements gain mainstream traction.
- Economic stress and fear push voters toward nationalist alternatives promising stability and identity.
MacArthur Constitution Shapes Modern Japan
- Japan's postwar politics remain conservative under a constitution largely drafted by the U.S.
- Article 9 limits Japan's wartime power and fuels ongoing domestic debates about sovereignty.
Parliamentary Mechanics Amplify Small Parties
- Sanseitō rose from one seat to 14 in the July election, exploiting coalition dynamics and proportional representation.
- Small parties can amplify influence quickly in parliamentary systems with coalitions.
