Reimagining Japan and fighting extremism with the help of a superhero: a teacher’s tale

Abstract

21 Across Europe, teachers face the challenge of educating against extremism and xenophobia. This is no less the case in Japan, which commonly self-identifies as a homogeneous nation and where in recent years society has seen the growth of an ethno-nationalist extreme-right movement that exploits the myth of homogeneity. Populist and nationalist political leaders take advantage of such sentiments to boost their own power. Such politicians are all too willing to suggest that there is space for xenophobic and far-right ideas within a democratic nation state. Populist discourses have a direct impact on the young, leaving them vulnerable to the extremist, racist opinions that are ubiquitous online.