Lesson: Rise of the Right
We have just witnessed the rise of the right in Japan, with a notable surge in popularity of the political party Sanseito, promoting a rise in nationalist sentiments and a growing emphasis on traditional values. This shift is primarily influenced by public dissatisfaction with almost 40 years of economic stagnation and concerns over national security, particularly in the context of overtourism and a perceived ‘silent invasion’ of foreigners. Sanseito, led by a charismatic and assertive leader, capitalized on these sentiments by promoting policies aimed at limiting foreign influence and the number of visitors to Japan. Grassroots movements, fueled by social media, galvanized support for right-wing ideologies, appealing to younger generations who are struggling with low salaries and increasing costs. Is the rise of the right in Japan a temporary reaction to the current environment, or is this the beginning of a sharper turn to the extreme right? Only time will tell.
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Example Article
Each conversation topic is based on a theme. In order to help students acquire a basic understanding of that topic, four media articles are provided for them to read. I will never test you on the articles, but I strongly suggest you book lessons far enough in advance to give yourself enough time to properly prepare. The better prepared you are, the more benefit you will receive from our conversations.
Below is an example article for this conversation topic.
