The Rise of Nationalism

National Identity

 
Nationalism in Japan played a significant role in unifying the country under a common identity. Japanese nationalism was often constructed around loyalty to the emperor, the language, and cultural traditions. The sense of being 'Japanese' was cultivated through education, propaganda, and cultural symbols, creating a strong sense of national identity that played into the country's imperial ambitions.
​
The
Japanese propaganda poster “Heaven and Hell”, demonising China under the Nationalist Government. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Propaganda’s Role

Propaganda was a key tool in fostering Japanese nationalism. It created a narrative of Japanese exceptionalism and destiny, thereby justifying territorial expansions and military aggressions. Themes of unity, loyalty, and sacrifice were common, aimed at creating a collective identity and mobilizing the population towards national objectives.
Picture
Japanese propaganda leaflet depicting Allied leaders trying to push (Churchill) and pull (Chiang and Roosevelt) an Indian into the fight against the Japanese, as Wilhelmina looks on. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Related Book

Echoes of Empire:
The Power of Japanese Propaganda

The topic of propaganda has become increasingly relevant in recent years. With the advancement of technology, people are increasingly more vulnerable to disinformation. Japan experienced a similar situation in the early 1900s and 1930s. With the rise of mass production of newspapers and magazines amidst the Russo-Japanese War, the Japanese population became instilled in nationalism and militarism. Despite the era of demilitarization and democratization that followed after World War I, the Japanese Empire, once again, became fixated on expansion. This time, advancements in radio and film propagated a sentiment for total war.

Echoes of Empire: An Analysis of Imperial Japanese Propaganda focuses on the themes of Japanese propaganda during the imperial era (1868–1945). By emphasizing the content of Japanese propaganda, the publication achieves a rigorous and holistic account of propaganda from the imperial period. The publication closely examines four key themes: Glorification, Youth, Women and Sex, and Race War. Each section discusses various forms of propaganda, both official (government and military) and unofficial (civilians and private companies). While each chapter focuses on a specific theme of Japanese propaganda, all inquire into the impact propaganda had on the Japanese on an individual and societal scale. The analysis serves to enlighten people on the mechanism and influence of propaganda and the danger of ignoring its significance.