Politics, memory and public opinion

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This volume delves into the political and social contexts surrounding the ongoing history textbook controversy in Japan. Chapter 1 identifies the resurgence of conservative historical revisionism since the 1990s as the primary catalyst for the renewed debate. Chapter 2 illustrates how this connection between revisionism and politics has influenced public perceptions of Japan’s recent history, particularly in memorials, museums, and ceremonies, leading to interpretations of the Asia-Pacific War (1931–1945) as either a defensive conflict or one aimed at liberating Asia. Despite the strong expression of these views, they do not reflect a consensus within Japanese society. Chapter 3 analyzes various opinion surveys on the “historical consciousness” of the Japanese people, revealing that revisionist perspectives are currently a minority. The controversy highlights the gap between the historical views of the political elite and those prevalent in the broader society. Understanding the backgrounds and issues related to this debate is essential for grasping the anticipated discussions during the 60th anniversary of the war's end.