Japanese National Identity in Transition

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between the ideological positions taken by Japanese opinion leaders towards Japan's participation in the Gulf War and their social backgrounds. The author classifies and describes different conceptions of Japanese national identity in terms of three main ideological positions: `Power Politics', `Pro-MNF', and `Anti-Military Sanctions'. The the social backgrounds of these conceptions are examined. Results indicate that conceptions of Japanese national identity are influenced by generation, occupational specialty, and, possibly, study experience abroad. The author also refers to the recent dramatic changes in Japanese public opinion about sending the military abroad on UN missions and touches upon the question of what this change suggests in terms of conceptions of Japanese national identity.