Nationalism has several manifestations in modern Japan. Politically, it aligns with imperialist movements that emerged in the Meiji period and fostered the militarism that led to World War II. Japanese cultural nationalism (nihonjinron) lacks the imperialist agenda, but, akin to other ethnic chauvinisms, privileges Japanese culture, language, or race above all others. Many modern Japanese authors, particularly during the war years, found themselves caught up in nationalist sentiments, for a variety of reasons. Some, such as Tanizaki Jun’ichiro, began as proponents of modernization but subsequently became advocates of a return to traditional Japanese ways. During the postbubble recession of the late 20th century, the nationalist writer Ishihara Shintaro became the governor of Tokyo.
Historical dictionary of modern Japanese literature and theater. J. Scott Miller. 2009.