Japan: A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

Robert Dujarric explores the contradiction between Japan’s pacifist self-image and its provocative political symbolism in this 2014 article for The Diplomat. Despite maintaining a non-aggressive military stance, acts like high-profile visits to Yasukuni Shrine and revisionist rhetoric by officials cast Japan as needlessly antagonistic in the eyes of its neighbors. This dissonance between peaceful intent and assertive presentation weakens Japan’s regional credibility.

Rather than genuine militarism, Dujarric argues Japan suffers from diplomatic incoherence and cultural insularity. A failure to understand international perspectives or invest in global messaging exacerbates perceptions of nationalism and historical denial. Japan, he suggests, must recalibrate its public diplomacy and soften its symbolism if it hopes to foster trust and stability in East Asia.