Japanese nationalism: Encyclopedia II - Japanese nationalism - The ideology of Japanese nationalism 1905-1945

Japanese nationalism - The ideology of Japanese nationalism 1905-1945

Japanese nationalism - Tradition

The bushido (warrior way) — the samurai code —. When the daimyo system was abolished the code was adopted for ideological purposes and ultranationalist doctrine. The samurai ideals were analysed in depth by Imperial Japanese Army Ideologist Sadao Araki for adaptation in contemporary military training as a doctrine of "seishin kyoiku" (spiritual training) for ideological rapport between armed forces. As Minister of Education, he supported the integration of the Samurai code in the national education system. Officers and commanders in the Imperial Japanese Forces carried the katana, the Japanese samurai sword, as well as the Nambu pistol.

See main article kokugaku

In developing the modern concept of State Shintoism and Emperor worship, various Japanese thinkers tried to protect national beliefs from foreign elements such as Chinese religious thinking. They returned to ancient Japanese customs, creating the "Restoration Shintoist Movement" following Norinaga Motoori of the 17th century. In researching the origins of Japanese culture, Motoori studied the Classic Shinto Chronicles, the Kojiki. These teach the superiority of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami. In this philosophy, Divine participation in natural events is rare and Divine Providence can't be predicted. Out of respect for the divine, subjects are expected to submit to Divine Providence.

A follower, Atsutane Hirata, expanded Norinaga's idea of purifying fundamental Shintoism from Chinese influences. Hirata proposed a mixed Christian theology, comparing the Amenomikanushi-no Kami, a central God mentioned in the Kojiki Chronicle, with the Christian God. His view was that the first god presiding over the universe had two helpers: Productive (Takami-Misubi) and Divine Productive (Kami-Misubi), representing the Yin-Yang principle of Asian thought. Combined with sacred texts of Kojiki, Shoku Nihongi and Yengi-Shiki, this blend produced a High Monotheist Shinto for the time.

This is the religious ideology which formed the basis for emperor worship and the Shinto State religion: the Divine Emperor was descended directly from Amaterasu Omikami, the National God who protects the country. All proclamations of the emperor took on religious significance; for instance, in 1882, the Meiji Emperor made an "Imperial Rescript to Seamen and Soldiers", from this time considered sacred and obligatory.

In 1890 the educational system was adapted, taking State Shintoism as principal religion. The pre-existing other 13 Shinto sects (sect Shinto) were driven out. "The Emperor is a Revealed God among men, a Manifest Deity for us." The Imperial Rescript to Seamen and Soldiers was added to the National education system, to present the historical relation of Imperial mythical ancestors with their subjects. When these texts were read, subjects demonstrated their respect for the Emperor by saying "In Name of your Majesty and your seal."

State Shinto placed emphasis on the idea that the "center of Phenomenal World is Tenno." From that center, the doctrine dictated that subjects should spread the idea of the great spirit around the world. Thus began ideas of Japanese territorial expansion.

Hachiman was Japan's traditional deity of war. The military also used this cult. The families of soldiers sent to the front prayed at his shrines for the national war effort's success, and the prompt return of sons. Some members of the theorists (the "Strike North Group") of the Japanese Army invoked his sacred protection and support. In their view, he gave the "divine opportunity" to finish definitively the Communist danger; they prepared plans for invasion of the Soviet Far East and Siberian lands, as part of Japanese Army general plans of July 1941.

See main article Kamikaze

The extreme use of tradition was seen in the idea of Vice Admiral Takijiro Ohnishi of Kamikaze special defensive units of the Japanese Combined Fleet in 1944-45. Admiral Soemu Toyoda at first opposed this, but had to acknowledge that these suicide units alone were able to inflict substantial damage on the Allied navies. Before making their attack, pilots participated in a ceremony, drinking Sake rice wine. They carried into battle symbolic Kyokujitsu-ki flags, written Shinto prayers, a Nambu pistol or katana sword and hachimaki with sun-with-rays headband.

This drew on the mythical version of the repulse of the 13th century Mongol invasion of Japan. It had already been a point of reference when bad weather caused damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Philippines.

See: Personnel involved in the development of the kamikaze defensive tactic

National and Imperial Seal

Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum

The shiragiku (literally white chrysanthemum) or more common chrysanthemum flower was much used as an imperial symbol. It alludes to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the traditional throne of Japanese emperors. The traditional cheer given to the Emperor and other dignitaries, or on special commemorations, was Tenno Heika Banzai (long live the Emperor), or the short Banzai (Hurrah). It became the typical Japanese war cry or victory shout to encourage Imperial troops in combat.

Japanese nationalism - Education

The principal educational emphasis was on the great importance of traditional national political values, religion and morality. This prevailed from the Meiji period. The Japanese state modernized organizationally, but preserved its national idiosyncrasies. Japan was to be a powerful nation, equal at least to the Western powers, an attitude reinforced from 1905. During the Showa period the educational system was used for militarist radical ideologies, supporting the militarised state and preparing future soldiers.

The government published official text books for all levels of student, and reinforced that with cultural activities, seminars, etc. These cultural courses were supplemented with military and survival courses (against invasion).

In the exterior provinces and Manchuria the education system was distinct, for those who were not Japanese subjects. The Koreans and Manchus for example were educated as industrial workers, office workers or soldiers. Indoctrination with Japanese ideology and views of international relations was included. One Japanese top civil servant said "the Koreans and others Asian peoples should learn to obey, not to know". In Manchuria all ancient universities and schools were closed, with the organization of new centers in which the "humanities" were eliminated (for their 'negative' consequences). A foreign reporter of the London Times visited Manchuria and cited the words of one civil servant "Manchuria needs more workers, not white-collar workers with incomplete notions on how they abounded in Japan". Official Manchurian publications emphasised the 'utility' of the syllabus.

In Japan exist ones 1,000,000 of pupils in primary level, in technical Schools levels stay ones 2,000,000 pupils, in advanced technical schools stay others 530,000 pupils. In six principal universities (between stay Tokio University and Tokyo Imperial University) poses ones 73,000 too.

Apart from indoctrination in nationalism and religion, children and school students received military drills (on weapons, hand-to-hand combat, survival, first aid). These were taken further by the Imperial Youth Federation (comparable to the Hitler Youth); college students were trained, and some recruited, for home defense and regular military units. Young women received first aid training. Children and young people worked in weapons factories.

Japanese nationalism - Nationalist politics

See main article Empire of Japan

In 1882 the Japanese Government organized the Teiseito (Imperial Gubernative Party), one of first nationalist parties in the country. From the Russo-Japanese War Japan was called "Dai Nippon Teikoku", setting up a real Empire, with the inclusions of Formosa (1895), the Liaotung Peninsula and Karafuto (1905), the South Pacific Mandate islands (1918-19) and aiming at control of Chosen (Korea)(1905-10).

The wars against China and Russia were total wars, and required a nationalistic focus of patriotic sentiment. From this period the Yasukuni Jinja was converted into a center of the new patriotic sense. During the 1920s years the official establishment was conceptually organized in this form: Nobility and Aristocracy (Mombatsu); Commercial and Industrialist (Zaibatsu); military and some great landowner clan allies (Gumbatsu).

In 1926-28 the central government organized the "Peace preservation Department" (an antisubversive police section), and prosecuted all local communists who proposed a socialist form of government. The Japanese Army organized the Kempeitai (Military police service) and the Japanese Navy an equivalent. These security groups not only had military police responsibilities, additionally they possessed special weapons (groups in Manchuria), and a political department, and were ideologically related to the Kodoha Party (a faction, and a political branch of the Army in civil government) and the colonial and security administrations.

To call Japan in 1941 'Fascist' or 'totalitarian' is an error, according to some authors. The "New Structure" in Japan did not depend on one leader at the centre, a Mussolini or Hitler. Japanese citizens were rallied to the "Defensive State" or "Consensus State", in which all efforts of the nation supported collective objectives, by guidance from national myths, history and dogmas, obtaining a "national consensus".

In this state the central figure was the Tenno, the emperor, as had been the case from the Meiji constitution onwards, coexisting with the interests of the official establishment.

About who really held the political power in Japan, there are two versions. One says that real control was exerted by the Emperor over the military; the other validates the "trinity" mentioned above.

There is also the 'realist' position, denying politics as a factor: real control did lie with the military, behind a front formed by the Emperor and Government (as certainly occurred in Manchukuo with the Kangde Emperor Puyi).

The principal military figures were:

• General Hideki Tojo, First chief of Kempeitai in Manchukuo, prime minister, war minster, interior affairs Minister also in 1941 head of Kodoha party,
• Lieutenant-General Hyotaro Yamada,War vice-minister,
• General Sadao Araki, Army radical ideologist, also founder and first chief of the Kodoha party right-wing nationalist movement and during 1938-39 are Ministry of Education,
• General Hachiro Arita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Army thinker, he had engineered a pact with the Axis powers against Russia, also himself brainchild of "Greater Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere" Concept,
• General Hajime Sujiyama, state chief of Army,
• General Otozo Yamada, Home defense commander and chief of military instructions,
• Admiral Osami Nagano, state chief of Navy,
• Rear Admiral Shigeru Fukudome, second state chief of Navy,
• Admiral Shigetaro Shimada, Marine Minister,
• Admiral Mineo Osumi, nobility member and oldest member of the Supreme War Council (Japan) and ex-Marine Minister,
• Admiral Teijiro Toyoda,Ex-vice Marine Minister, Commerce & Industry and Foreign Affairs Minister, relationed with Mitsui Zaibatsu Clan,
• General Juichi Terauchi, son of Marshal Masatake Terauchi, in charge of the Army forces during the early Pacific war in South Asia,
• General Numata, second Commander of Army forces in South Asia,
• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Chief of Combined Pacific Fleet, himself conceived the Hawaii Operation and directed the Navy forces during the Pearl Harbor attack and early Pacific war,
• Rear Admiral Matome Ugaki, second chief of Combined Pacific Fleet, more remembered himself how some survivor of American shot-down of Isoroku Yamamoto's Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" Command Transport in Salomon Islands, and last direct navy commander of final Kamikaze Mission in Okinawa,
• Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, direct Navy Commander the Japanese Task force during Hawaii Operation,
• Vice Admiral Takijiro Ohnishi, head of Naval Aviation Division of Munitions Ministry, also later First Air Fleet Land-based Commander in Northern Philippines, since October 1944, well known as founder of the Kamikaze special forces,
• General Hiroshi Oshima, the official contact with Germany, and a firm supporter of the Nazis,
• Major-General Otani, another Japanese contact with Europeans and some supporter of Nazis too,
• Lieutenant-General Seizo Sakonji, Commerce & Industry minister replacing Admiral Toyoda.

The names of Mitsui, Mitsubishi (Iwasaki), Sumitomo, Okura, Asano, Kuhara and Yasuda, amongst others, were prominent as industrialists.

The novel political elements were "exalted militarism" and "State Socialism". Compounded they made a distinctive Militarism-Socialism right-wing ideology.

During the 1920s Right wing-Nationalist beliefs became a major force. The state support for Shinto encouraged a semi-religious belief in the mythological history of Japan (and thus to mysticism and cultural introversion). Some nationalist secret societies took up ultranationalism, Japan-centred radical ideas, and a new conception of State Socialism. They included: Genyosha (Black Ocean Society, 1881), Kokuryu-kai (Amur Society, or Black Dragon Society, 1901), movements dedicated to overseas Japanese expansion to the north; Nihon Kokusui Kai (Japanese Patriotic Society, 1919), founded by Tokoname Takejiro; Sekka Boshidan (Anti-Red League) founded at the same time as the Japanese Communist Party; and the Kokuhonsha (State Basis Society) founded in 1924 by Baron Hiranuma, for the preservation of the unique national character of Japan and its special mission in Asia.

The introduction of the distinctive theory of "State Socialism" is attributed to Kita Ikki (1885-1937), an Amur Society member and Asian mainland expert, in his 1919 book Nihon kaizo hoan taiko (General Plan for National Reorganization of Japan). He proposed a military coup d'état to promote the supposed true aims of the Meiji Restoration. This book was banned, but certain military circles read in it in the early 1930s.

Kita's plan was phrased in terms of freeing the Emperor from weak and treasonous counsellors. After suspending the Constitution, and dissolving the Diet, the Emperor and his military defenders should work for a "collectivist direct voluntarism" to unify people and leaders. Harmony with the working classes would be sought by the abolition of the aristocracy and austerity for the Imperial House. Overseas, Japan would free Asia of Western influence.

The Japanese Navy was in general terms more traditionalist, in defending ancient values and the sacrality of the Emperor; the Japanese Army was more forward-looking, in the sense of valuing primarily strong leadership, as is evidenced by the use of the coup and direct action. The Navy typically preferred political methods. The Army, ultimately, was the vehicle for the anticapitalists, hypernationalists, anticommunists, antiparliamentarians, Extreme Right-Socialists and Nationalist-Militarist ideals.

The military were considered politically "clean" in terms of political corruption, and assumed responsibility for 'restoring' the security of the nation, too. The armed forces took up criticism of the traditional democratic parties and regular government for many reasons (low funds for the armed forces, compromised national security, weakness of the leaders). They were also, by their composition, closely aware of the effects of economic depression on the middle and lower classes, and the communist threat.

Both branches gained in power as they administered the exterior provinces and military preparations.

Other nationalist-rightist groups in the 1920s were the Jinmu Kai (Emperor Jimmu Society), Tenketo Kai (Heaven Spade Party), Ketsumeidan (Blood Fraternity) and Sakurai Kai (Cherry Blossum Society) . This last was founded by Dr. Shumei Okawa, professor of of the Colonization Academy, and radical defender of expansionism and military armed revolution at home. Amongst members were Army officers implicated in the Manchuria Affair, such as Kingoro Hashimoto, and Ishikawa Kanishi. Okawa served as a conduit by which Kita Ikki's ideas reached young nationalist officers.

Violent coups took place, and the Kwantung Army made, in effect unilaterally, the decision to invade Manchuria. This was then treated as a fait accompli by Government and Emperor.

The Amau Doctrine (the Asian Monroe Doctrine) stated that Japan assumed the total responsibility for peace in Asia. Minister Hirota proclaimed "a special zone, anti-communist, pro-Japanese and pro-Manchukuo" and that Northern China was a "fundamental part" of Japanese national existence, in announcing a "holy war" against the Soviet Union and China as the "national mission".

During 1940 Prince Konoe proclaimed the Shintaisen (New National Structure), making Japan into an "advanced state of National Defense", and the creation of the Tasei Yokusankai (Imperial Authority Assistance Association), for organizing a centralized "consensus state". Associated are the government creation of the Tonarigumi (residents' committees). Other ideological creations of the time were the book The Subject's Way, the "Imperial Way" or "War Party" (Kodoha) Army party, the "Yamato Spirit" (Yamato damaishii), and the idea of "eight squares of the World" (hakko ichiu) and "Religion and Government Unity" (Saisei itchi).

The official academic text was Kokutai no Hongi ("Japan's Fundamentals of National Policy"), presenting a view of Japan's history, and its mission to unite the East and West. The "moral national Bible" The Subject's Way presented an effective catechism on nation, religion, cultural, social and ideological topics. All citizens needed to have it.

Japanese nationalism - Geostrategy

See main articles Japanese strategic planning for mainland Asia (1905-1940), Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

The economic doctrines of the "Yen block" were in 1941 transformed to the "Great Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" Plan, as a basis for the Japanese national finances, and conquests plans. There was a history of perhaps two decades behind these moves.

The Japanese theorists concerned with Mainland Asia knew the geostrategic theory of Halford Mackinder, expressed in the book Democratic Ideas and Reality. He discussed why the 'World Island' of Eurasia and Africa was dominant, and why the key to this was the 'Central Land' in Central Asia. This is protected from sea attack, by deserts and mountains, and is vulnerable only on its west side, and to advanced technology from Europe.

Mackinder declared that: "Who rules East Europe commands the Heartland; Who rules the heartland commands the World Island; Who rules the World Island commands the World". These central Asiatic lands included: all of the Soviet Union, except the Pacific coast, west of the Volga river; all Mongolia, Sinkiang, Tibet and Iran. This zone is vast and possesses natural resources and raw materials, does not possess major farming possibilities, and has very little population. Mackinder thought in terms of land and sea power: the latter can outflank the former, and carry out distant logistical operations, but needs adequate bases.

These geopolitical ideas coincided with the theories of Lieutenant Colonel Kanji Ishiwara, sent in 1928 to Manchuria to spy. The Army adopted them, in some form. Army theorists were located in the Manchuria area.

The Navy, on the other hand, was interested in the southerly direction of expansion (see Strike South group) the ideological center of Navy theorists stay in Formosa. These differing ideas were partly rooted in the supposed ancestral origins of the Japanese Army and Navy: Chosu or Izumo for the former, Satsuma and Yamato for the latter. The zaibatsu monopolies, while not lining up with either, leant to the Yamato clan, and economic interests. An extended debate ensued, resolved in the end by the stern experience of Japan's armed conflicts with the Soviet Union in 1938-9. This tipped the balance towards the 'South' plan, and the Pearl Harbor attack that precipitated the Pacific War in 1941.

Japanese nationalism - Other ideological lines

Fumio Goto was the head of the Showa Studies Society, another "school" and "think tank" for future leaders of a radical totalitarian Japan. Count Yoriyasu Arima was another "professor" there. He was a supporter of radical political experiments and armed revolution, and contact with farmers' associations led by the Imperial Farmers Association. He read Karl Marx and Max Stirner, and other radical philosophers. With Fumimaro Konoye and Fusanosuke Kuhara, they created a revolutionary radical-right policy.

These revolutionary groups later had the help of three important personages, in making reality some certain ideas of a lost cause: they have in common practical work on the Manchukuo Socialist-Militarist policy. They were: General Hideki Tojo, chief of secret police in this country and leader of Kwantung Army and other Northern regions; Yosuke Matsuoka, who served as president of Mantetsu (South Manchuria Railway Company) and Foreign affairs minister; and Naoki Hoshino, an army ideologist who organized the government and political structure of Manchukuo. Tojo later became War Minister and Prime minster in the Konoye cabinet, Matsuoka Foreign Minister, and Hoshino chief of Project departments charged with establishing a new economic structure for Japan. Some industrialists representative of this ideological strand were Ichizo Kobayashi, President of Tokio Gasu Denki, setting the structure for the Industry and Commerce ministry, and Shozo Murata, representing the Sumitomo Group becoming Communication Minister.

Other groups created were the Government Imperial Aid Association and Imperial Youth Federation. Involved in both was Colonel Kingoro Hashimoto, who proposed a Nationalist single party dictatorship, based on socialism. The militarists had strong industrial support, but also socialist-nationalist sentiments on the part of radical officers, aware of poor farmers and workers who wanted social justice.

The Shintoist traditions were managed by: Lieutenant General Heisuke Yanagawa, who directed the Government Imperial Aid Association; Chikao Fujisawa, official member of Diet, who proposed a law that Shinto should be reaffirmed as State religion, as in past times; General Kuniaki Koiso, an arch-nationalist, who restored the ancient sacred rites in the Sukumo river, the Preliminary Misogi Rite; and Prince Kanin, another nationalist and religious supporter of official Shinto. Baron Hiranuma organized the Shintoist Rites Research Council to research all ancient Shinto rites and practices. The "New Asia Day" celebration was to remember the sacred mission of extending influence to nearby Asian nations.

The Japanese government, possibly following the German example of a "Worker's Front" State Syndicate, ultimately organized the Nation Service Society to group all the trades unions in the country. All syndicates of the "Japanese Workers Federation" were integrated into this controlling body.

Japanese nationalism - Control of communications media

The Press and other communication media were managed for the Information Department by Dr. Nobofumi Ito and official spokesman Koh Ishii. Radio Tokyo was charged with disseminating all official information around the world. The radio transmitted in English, Dutch, three Chinese dialects, French, Malay, Thai, as well Japanese to Southwest Asia; and the Islamic world had programs broadcast in Hindustani, Burmese, Arabic, English and French. In Hawaii there were radio programs in English and Japanese. Other daily transmissions were to Europe, South and Central America, eastern areas of South America and the USA, with Australia and New Zealand receiving broadcasts too.

The official press agency Domei Tsushin was connected with the Axis powers' press agencies such as D. N. B., Transoceanic, the Italian agency Stefani and others. Local and Manchukoan newspapers such as "Manchurian Daily News" (Japanese-owned) were under the control of these institutions and only published officially approved notices and information.

Japanese nationalism - Ideological influences in foreign areas

See Japanese administration of Manchukuo

In Manchukuo the Japanese had their 'own' local nationalist parties. The puppet Kangde Emperor (Emperor Puyi), having told the international press he had decided to organized a local party of "Confucian Doctrine", which was in fact run by the Japanese government. Later the "Northeast Administrative Committee" group and "Concord Association Party" were the only political movements authorized.

These parties were in the Militarist-Socialist mould, with uniforms and symbols modelled on the Japanese Militarist-Socialist Right doctrines. Tolerance of Confucian Chinese religious observance gave way to implantation of Shinto and Japanese customs. The treatment of farmers and workers was rigorously exploitative, and became harsh.

The Mengjiang Mongol puppet state had a "Central Academy" in Kalgan under the direction of Colonel Kanji Tsuneoka. A curious wartime rumour was that the Japanese Army had found the real tomb of Genghis Khan, in the Chahar area; this was used for political ends.

The goal was the "Japanization" of "allied" nations, as already largely imposed in Chosen and Formosa. The intention in occupied China, in the pro-Japanese administration of Wang Chingwei, (Reformed Government of the Republic of China) as elsewhere, was probably the same.

Japanese nationalism - Summary

Under a complex mix of nationalist ideas, doctrines and pressures, the Japanese Imperial Forces found nationalist, ideological and political support for the fighting in mainland Asia and the Pacific conflict during World War II. The Imperial House represented the head of the nation and the last word in decision-making. Different points of view of Japan's national defense were aligned with the question of Asian continental expansion, or conquest of the Pacific area.

After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, the whole structure was dismantled by the Allied occupation authorities in the whole Japanese Empire and Japanese-held territories.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The ideology of Japanese nationalism 1905-1945", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki