History of Japan Episode 567 - The Revolutionary, Part 2
Feb 28, 2025
Dive into the radical transformation of Miyazaki Manabu, who shifts from yakuza son to a fervent Communist. Explore the clash of organized crime and leftist politics in 1960s Japan during the fierce security treaty protests. Discover the plight of the Burakumin community in Kyoto, facing systemic discrimination and social exclusion. Witness the rise of student activism amidst the tumult of the Vietnam War, revealing a youth awakening and their quest for equality in a rapidly changing society.
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Post-War Dislocation and Radicalization
- Post-war Japan's youth experienced a disorienting shift from wartime propaganda to democratic ideals.
- This period saw increasing political polarization and tensions, contributing to youth radicalization.
Yakuza Boss's Unexpected Admiration
- Miyazaki Manabu's father, a Yakuza boss, surprisingly admired leftists for their courage and selflessness.
- He contrasted them with the Yakuza, who would "cut a deal with the cops."
Burakumin Discrimination and Left-Wing Sympathy
- Miyazaki's exposure to the Burakumin's plight and discrimination fueled his sympathy for left-wing ideologies.
- He witnessed the stark contrast between their impoverished lives and the wealthy elite in Kyoto.
