Japanese nationalism (The Japanese term ナショナリズム (Nationalism) is a transliteration of the English word “Nationalism.” It is sometimes translated as “state nationalism,” at other times as “ethnic nationalism” or “cultural nationalism,” and its meaning varies depending on the context. According to the Japanese scholar Maruyama Masao, “the term ナショナリズム is inherently emotional and highly elastic, making it exceedingly difficult to provide an abstract definition. It is often translated into meanings such as ethnic nationalism, civic nationalism, or state nationalism, each of which captures an aspect of the original meaning to some degree, yet none fully encompasses the term's breadth. Depending on historical circumstances, ナショナリズム can evoke feelings of aspiration and inspiration or feelings of hatred and aversion. Originating from the same concept, it can represent freedom and independence on one side, and oppression and aggression on the other. This duality is not merely the arbitrary misuse of language but rather reflects the inherent conceptual ambiguity of the term as it absorbed the varied historical imprints of the nation-state during the formation of modern world history.” (See: Maruyama Masao, “Nationalism, Militarism, and Fascism,” Collected Works of Maruyama Masao, Vol. 6, Iwanami Shoten, 2nd Edition, September 25, 1997, p. 303.) Given the richness and complexity of the term ナショナリズム, this article will address “state nationalism” specifically in the context of Japanese political thought history. More precisely, it refers to the wave of imperialist ideology that emerged in Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War.) emerged in the process of Japan’s modernization under the pressure of Western imperial powers. This resistance to imperialism can be considered righteous. Unfortunately, due to the distorted development of nationalism during Japan’s modernization, Japan ultimately embarked on the path of imperialism.