Possibilities of Soft populism in Japan

Japan is facing an increasingly uncertain world with rising threats from a resurgent China and the ongoing Ukraine War. Domestically, it grapples with political instability and a stagnating economy, as evidenced by the fall of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and the deepening unpopularity of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In many democracies, such conditions have given rise to populist movements. However, Japan remains an exception, with no significant populist surge despite widespread dissatisfaction with the government. This entry explores the unique phenomenon of “silent populism” in Japan, where public support for key issues manifests without forming overt populist movements. This silent populism has the potential to influence significant political changes, such as the revocation of Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution, which prohibits war. By examining Japan’s conformity-driven society, this entry aims to understand how mass appeal issues might drive change in a country seemingly resistant to populism.