The 'Japan is Strong' Phenomenon: Unpacking a Trending Phrase Reflecting National Pride and Political Debate

The trending social media phrase "Japan is strong" is gaining attention in various contexts. In particular, remarks made by Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Japan Conservative Party, at the "Takeshima Day" commemorative ceremony, where he urged the "Takaichi administration" to "demonstrate Japan's strong will," have caused a significant stir, drawing both praise and criticism.

In response to Hyakuta's speech, numerous supporters expressed praise, with comments such as "He clearly states what needs to be said," "Truly proud," and "A brilliant speech." They lauded Hyakuta's "paperless speech" and, while criticizing the current administration as "prone to inaction" and "pseudo-conservative," declared their support for the Japan Conservative Party as the "fighting conservatives." The full publication of his speech as an article was particularly welcomed, as it was seen to convey the speaker's intentions and emphasized points more clearly.

On the other hand, there was no shortage of critical opinions regarding Hyakuta's remarks. One user sharply criticized Hyakuta's claims, stating they were "the same mindset as the culprits of the old Yodo-go hijacking incident" and "strikingly similar to Shoko Asahara of Aum Shinrikyo, who believed themselves absolute." Toru Hashimoto also launched a critique, saying, "The 'all talk, no action' leader, who ignores reality by barking about how the prime minister can visit Yasukuni Shrine and cabinet members can attend the Takeshima Day ceremony, ignoring other countries, is over." Furthermore, calm opinions were heard, such as "He can make such bold statements because he's not the Prime Minister" and "It's not advisable to intentionally cool down Japan-South Korea relations right now," with some voices emphasizing the importance of governmental balance and strategic judgment.

The "Japan is strong" trend extends beyond political discussions, appearing in various fields. For instance, in the VTuber market, there's a perception that "Japan is strong" due to Thai VTubers actively operating in Japanese. There's also an analysis that the strong performance of Japanese athletes in new sports like snowboarding, skateboarding, and dance is attributed to excellent public safety and robust training environments. In economics, the necessity of specialized strategies is debated, with the notion that "Japan won't win unless it competes in areas where it is strong," and in stock investment, investors exhibit the stance of "buying Japanese stocks if Japan is strong."

However, there are also voices questioning the sustainability of the social security system, stating, "Discussions on taxes, social security, and medical care have revealed that Japan already has a strong socialist inclination," as well as skeptical opinions on the effectiveness of national policies, asking, "Will this really make Japan a strong country?" Conversely, calls for Japan's strong will in diplomacy and security are also rising, such as "Please take a strong stance against China" and "Please let Japan demonstrate strong leadership to protect the security of the Asia-Pacific."

The phrase "Japan is strong" reflects a wide range of national sentiments and aspirations, from demands for a resolute national stance on the Takeshima issue to superiority in specific cultures and sports, and even expectations and concerns regarding national strategies and social systems. This trend can be said to pose the question of what kind of "strong Japan" we desire and what is needed to achieve it.

The context

To help non-Japanese readers understand the article, here is some background information:

• Takeshima Day (竹島の日): A day designated by Shimane Prefecture in Japan (February 22nd) to assert its territorial claim over the Liancourt Rocks, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. The islands are effectively controlled by South Korea, and the issue is a major point of contention between the two countries. Japan asserts its historical claim and that the islands were illegally occupied by South Korea. South Korea regards Takeshima/Dokdo as an integral part of its territory and views Japan's claims as historical revisionism.
• Naoki Hyakuta (百田尚樹): A popular novelist, screenwriter, and conservative political commentator in Japan. He is known for his outspoken nationalistic views and has gained a significant following, particularly among right-leaning voters. He is the co-founder and leader of the Japan Conservative Party (日本保守党), which advocates for traditional Japanese values, a stronger national defense, and a more assertive stance in foreign policy.
• "Takaichi administration" (高市政権): Refers to the hypothetical administration led by Sanae Takaichi, a prominent conservative politician within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Takaichi is known for her hawkish views on security and foreign policy, and her support for revising Japan's pacifist constitution. She has run for LDP leadership in the past and is seen by some as a potential future Prime Minister, particularly among the conservative wing of the party.
• Yasukuni Shrine (靖国参拝): A Shinto shrine in Tokyo that commemorates Japan's war dead, including convicted Class A war criminals from World War II. Visits by Japanese political leaders to Yasukuni Shrine are highly controversial and often draw strong criticism from China and South Korea, who view it as a symbol of Japan's past militarism and lack of remorse for wartime atrocities.
• Toru Hashimoto (橋下徹): A former lawyer and popular politician who served as Governor of Osaka Prefecture and then Mayor of Osaka City. He is known for his charismatic personality, reformist policies, and often blunt political commentary. Since leaving electoral politics, he has become a prominent media personality, offering critical analyses of current affairs and political figures.
• Yodo-go Hijacking Incident (ヨド号ハイジャック事件): A significant event in Japanese history where a Japan Airlines Boeing 727 was hijacked by members of the Japanese Red Army Faction in 1970. The hijackers eventually landed in North Korea. This reference is used to criticize Hyakuta's views as extreme or misguided.
• Shoko Asahara (麻原彰晃): The founder and leader of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack and other crimes. His name is invoked to suggest Hyakuta's views are cult-like or absolute in their self-belief.