Populism in Japan

FAIN: FO-258256-18

Robert J. Pekkanen
University of Washington (Seattle, WA 98195-1016)

Research leading to publication of two peer-reviewed articles and a book on populism in Japanese politics of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Populism is on the rise across the globe. In reaction, scholars are hard at work to develop our understanding of populism. However, Japan has been ignored in the process of concept formation and in investigating causal relationships with populism. This impoverishes our conceptual development and theory building, and at the same time potentially diminishes our understanding of Japanese political phenomena. With the first English-language book on populism in Japan, this project seeks to incorporate the study of Japan into broader discussions to mutual benefit.