#Japanese Nationalism

[eirikrjs]

What is Yascony Hill?

Yesterday a new comment on Identity Crisis 3 clued me in to something I'd never heard before about SMT4: The name "Yascony"--and that it's mentioned in a strategy guide. Obviously meant to evoke "Yasukuni", it's where the game begins with the protagonist and Issachar just chilling near its lake. Sure enough, the guide in question that contains it is the mini-guide that was included with the US first edition of the game; I could find no mention of it in the Japanese guide, artbook, or World Analyze tomes, though it's totally possible i overlooked it (check them out on Vesk's archive if you want!). Without corroboration from a Japanese source, it makes the authenticity somewhat hard to gauge, but the name itself is localized in English in the same style as the other areas of Mikado (a deliberately askew romanization as an attempt to match that the familiar Tokyo districts' names are rendered in Katakana in Japanese):

キチジョージ, Kichijōji = Kiccigiorgi

シンジュク, Shinjuku = Shene Duque

....et al. I honestly forget the others. But it should then follow:

Yascony = Yasukuni, ヤスクニ

Since the name follows that pattern, I find it hard to believe it would have been invented by Atlus USA. And, then, why would the American branch name a location after the controversial Yasukuni Shrine? Something is obviously missing here, or I missed a mention of it in JP. It fits the game's Japanese nationalist themes all too well. Weird.

[dyaus-pita]

If there is one net positive to 3Hopes' existence, it's that it confrims that not only is KT responsible for most of the writing issues of 3Houses, but that KT is fundamentally incompatible with the themes and messages of FE in general.

While Houses did have a lot of KT devs on staff for Houses, it was IS staff that served as director and producer. Hopes was almost entirely a KT production, with Kusakihara only being credited as an illustrator and "consultant/supervisor" this time, KT staff in the director and the producer roles, and two of the writers being replaced. IS basically had almost nothing to do with Hopes; this is very apparent when you compare how the characters, themes and story are handled compared to other entries in the series (the Elibe and Tellius games in particular) and even Houses. I've written about issues I've had with how Houses handled its anti-war and anti-prejudice messages, but there was an actual attempt at communicating said messages. Compare how the relics and the Nabateans are framed in Houses vs Hopes. In Houses, the relics and crests are ultimately the product of human sin and folly, with scenes like Hilda noticing and being repulsed by how her relic seems almost alive existing to draw your attention to it. The big secret Claude learns at the end of his route is not that Rhea was responsible for crests or relics, but that they are the remnants of her family, and she lied about them not to control humanity but because she wanted to protect what was left of her race and couldn't bring herself to kill people for simply being related to her victims. It was not an accident that Rhea turns out to be the one person in Fodlan who understands more Claude's desire for people to live without hiding who they are more than anyone. In Hopes, not only is the nature of the relics and crests completely ignored, the game seems to go out of its way to imply that the Nabateans deserved what happened to them or are equivalent to the people who genocided them for power, which is extremely fucked up.

In fact, the morals of 3Hopes in general are very fucked up, because the messages it communicates basically seem to be the following:

War is a Good Thing to help the common man, and should be the first option. As long as you have a Good Reason, the devastation and death caused by it can be handwaved.

Power and authority should be completely centralized on one "enlightened" autocrat. They shouldn't have to listen to their people because they know best and therefore should be free to do what they want.

It is fine for the enlightened ruler to use religious organizations as puppets to indoctrinate people and lie to them to support your warmongering. It is not ok to lie to people to prevent bloodshed and protect the last members of a genocided race.

The ends ALWAYS justify the means. As long as a ruler SAYS they feel bad, it's completely ok for them to treat civilians as expendable.

Because invading countries is good, defending one's country is bad, and if someone dies trying to stop you, then it is their fault or the fault of their inferior culture. They should always roll over and let you do what you want. Offering surrender is optional.

It is perfectly fine to destroy another country's culture or system of government to impose your own culture's, because yours is obviously better and you're doing them a favor anyway.

If a continent has had a history of other countries trying to conquer them, then they're racist for keeping you out when you attack them for sport. Why should you have to put any effort to understand them?

A true friend will do whatever you say and want and will ignore their own morals and interests. Feel free to lie to them or abuse their trust.

All the social, international, and political issues in the world can be laid squarely at the feet of one person or religion. It doesn't matter what they actually say or do, the fact they exist at all is tyranny and lynching them will fix everything.

Ethnic cleansing is perfectly fine as long as you want their land or personally don't like them.

Humans are great and perfect and should be free from the divine, except when they face the consequences for their actions. In that case, humans are helpless and the divine should always bail them out.

All foreigners want to subjugate you. Their attempts at peace actually mean they want to infiltrate your culture and destroy your traditions so they can rule, so don't trust them. It is much more acceptable as long as they suck up to the culture of a native though.

Always except everything you're told at face value if it's something that confirms your bias. It doesn't matter who it comes from or their ulterior motives, and you don't need to do research or try to understand the full picture because you are Right.

It is perfectly acceptable to inflame centuries old grudges so you can make war, especially if it allows you to help the people who wronged you less than a year ago.

It is also fine to sabotage another nation's diplomatic relations and use a neutral country's soldiers as bait, especially if your goal is to improve international relations. It's all the church's fault anyway.

It is NOT ok to leave an ally of convenience who clearly wants to either control you or conquer you later to die to end a war quicker.

It's a pro-war, pro-imperialist game, and reads more like the manifesto of a Japanese nationalist, right down to the victim complex and refusal to accept responsibility. Edelgard and Claude in that game are not so much characters as they are mouthpieces, and Rhea and the church are standins for everyone the devs don't like. It's not the plot holes introduced or the continuity errors and retcons that should disown 3Hopes, but the thematic and tonal dissonance to both the series as a whole and the entry that it's supposed to serve in the first place.

[nadertigerkay]

Huh I did not realize this, thank you for the cultural insight.

PSA: there is anti-Korean, historical revisionist dogwhistle in Ousama Ranking/Ranking of Kings that suggests that the author of the manga is a Japanese nationalist

I understand that this may fly over many people's heads, especially those who are not from Japan, but I'm from there and unfortunately I have spent enough time on the internet and around IRL nationalists to recognize their beliefs and talking points. I'll explain my reasoning below.

In episode 18 of Ousama Ranking/Ranking of Kings, we get introduced to the story of Houma and Gyakuza. Houma is depicted as a country full of good people - skilled wizards fighting against the tyrannical gods and helping the people of Gyakuza. Meanwhile, the people of Gyakuza are depicted as wholly negative - conniving, weak, and self-centered.

The show explains that the people of Gyakuza are like this because they have a long history of being ruled and exploited by others. They're depicted as "primitive" people who live in shacks, and they're poorer and dirtier than the people of Houma.

Houma comes to aid them and to teach them magic so that they may fight the gods together, but Gyakuza ends up betraying Houma in cold blood. History is then written in a way that depicts Houma as the aggressor and Gyakuza as the victim.

The part I want to talk about next is in the manga and hasn't been animated yet, but I'm sure you'll see it in the next episode.

When the gods come to Gyakuza, the Gyakuza people tell them of all the horrible things the Houma did to them - how exploited they were and how abused they were. One god takes a look at the state of Gyakuza and says "But if the Houma were so awful to you, and took everything from you like you claim, then why did they build hospitals and schools here? You guys look prosperous to me", to which the Gyakuza people can't find anything to say and they just stand there awkwardly.

So... does that remind you of anything? If your answer is no, well, that's okay. I called it a dogwhistle for a reason. But anyone familiar with the history of Japan and the arguments of Japanese right-wing nationalists will recognize that this is how they talk about Korean people and Japan's colonization of Korea.

According to the logic of Japanese right-wingers, the story of Houma and Gyakuza is an allegory about the history of Japan and Korea, in which

Gyakuza = a poor and primitive country full of deceitful people = Korea

The "outsiders" that kept Gyakuza under its rule for most of history = China

Houma = country full of good, upstanding people who only wanted to help the poor Gyakuza and fight a against gods = Japan

Gods = powerful western nations that were colonizing many parts of the world

They love to deny history by framing the colonization as a good thing - that we never exploited the Koreans, that we built schools and hospitals, that we "civilized" them. In the mind of a nationalist, Koreans are liars who are ungrateful to the Japanese, and Koreans play the victim when they in fact benefitted from the colonization. All of that is disgusting BS of course, but it's what they believe.

I hope I'm not coming across as someone who's reading too much into a story. I'm certainly not the only person who clocked the dogwhistle. Back when the manga chapters were being released, some Japanese readers immediately took notice. Just do a quick Twitter search and you'll encounter two types of people: people who recognize the anti-Korean message and condemn it, and people who recognize the anti-Korean message and agree with it. Either way, like I wrote, it's fairly obvious to anyone who's familiar with the beliefs of Japanese right-wingers.

Translation - I wasn't interested in Ousama Ranking at all but I heard that it got flamed so I read the problematic chapters, and it's awful. A lazy manga that makes up a fictional group of people just to use them as an analogue of Korean people that exist in the mind of a internet right-winger. It's very clear to see the ignorance of the author.

Translation - First Tweet: Saw episode 18 of Ousama Ranking. Gyakuza is literally the peninsula.

Second Tweet: I can't be the only person who thinks Gyakuza in Ousama Ranking is the mirror image of North Korea and South Korea. #OusamaRanking #Gyakuza #Korea

I totally understand why people like Ousama Ranking. It has well-written characters, the animation looks great, Bojj is precious, and I was a fan of it too right up to the moment I read the manga chapters about Houma and Gyakuza. I just wanted people to be aware of its message and the author's beliefs. It's really shameful how much history-revisionist right-wing ideas have permeated in the minds of Japanese people, and by extension, popular culture.

English isn't my first language but I hope I made this article clear enough. Feel free to send me asks if you need clarifications, and also I encourage you to reblog this and even cross-post it to other social medias!

[bixels]

Baffled.

[lionofchaeronea]

Women Watching Stars, Ōta Chōu, 1936

[whatisonthemoon]

On Monday morning, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Hamagiri arrived at the Busan Naval Base while flying the “Rising Sun” flag, a symbol associated with Japanese militarism. The warship entered the port to participate in a multinational maritime exercise aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons of mass destruction, called “Eastern Endeavor 23,” which will take place in the waters south of Jeju Island on Wednesday. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration did not raise any objections to the display of the Rising Sun flag, stating that the vessel was actually flying the ensign of the JMSDF, the design of which is different from the Rising Sun flag, in accordance with international conventions. The Rising Sun flag, previously used as the flag of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, features a red circle symbolizing the sun with 16 red rays radiating outward. After Japan's defeat in World War II, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) adopted a flag similar to the Rising Sun but with fewer rays. However, the JMSDF continues to use the Rising Sun flag as its ensign. When a JMSDF vessel is in port, it raises both the national flag of Japan and the Rising Sun flag (JMSDF ensign) on the bow and stern, respectively. However, when the vessel is at sea, the flag of Japan and the Rising Sun flag are both displayed on the highest mast of the ship. JS Hamagiri is expected to fly the controversial flag on its stern while in Busan and later display it on the ship's mast during the multinational maritime exercise on Wednesday. Since 1954, Japanese naval vessels have been required by the Self-Defense Forces Law to fly the JMSDF ensign alongside the national flag of Japan. The website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the JMSDF ensign as a variation of the Rising Sun flag. However, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense adopted the position in November of last year that the JMSDF ensign is not the Rising Sun flag, as their designs are not exactly the same. This stance by the ministry reflects its awareness of the sentiment within South Korea that regards the Rising Sun flag as a symbol of Japanese militarism. In the past, JMSDF vessels displayed the Rising Sun flag during international fleet reviews hosted by South Korea in 1998, during the Kim Dae-jung administration, and in 2008, during the Lee Myung-bak administration. However, as South Korea-Japan relations deteriorated, the display of the JMSDF ensign on Japanese vessels became a contentious issue between the two countries. In November 2018, during President Moon Jae-in’s administration, South Korea extended an invitation to the JMSDF for an international fleet review organized by the Navy. However, when it was proposed that both countries only display their respective national flags without the Rising Sun flag, Japan strongly objected and ultimately decided not to participate. The following year, in 2019, when Japan hosted its own international fleet review, it did not extend an invitation to the South Korean Navy at all. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense shifted its position after Yoon took office, stating that it is appropriate for JMSDF vessels to display their ensign in line with international customs. During another international fleet review organized by Japan in 2022, sailors from the South Korean Navy combat support ship, ROKS Soyang, saluted as they passed by a JMSDF vessel carrying Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The JMSDF vessel was flying the Rising Sun flag on its mast. During a regular briefing on Thursday, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu clarified that it is a “common international practice” for warships to display the flag of their country and the flag representing the country’s military or institution when entering a foreign port. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, countries including South Korea, the US, Japan, and Australia are scheduled to participate in a maritime exercise called “Eastern Endeavor 23.” This exercise is being held on the occasion of a high-level political meeting held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Proliferation Security Initiative. Following the exercise, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup is set to inspect the participating warships aboard the ROKS Marado, a Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship. It is also expected that the JS Hamagiri will perform a salute as it passes by the ROKS Marado. This will be the first time a South Korean defense minister inspects a JMSDF vessel. The schedule and scale of the exercise may be subject to change depending on the weather. By Kwon Hyuk-chul, staff reporter

Related links below

Korean environmentalists stand up to Japan

The Sacrifice of Human Health and Environment in South Korea Under US Military Occupation

Camp Humphreys: A sprawling symbol of the SK-US alliance where war and life blur

Catholic mass in South Korea demanding President Yoon to resign for “selling out Korea to Japan”

Yoon slams labor union for overnight street rally - May 23, 2023

The Imperial Ghost in the Neoliberal Machine (Figuring the CIA) - Koichiro Osaka

Kishida continues shallow MRA-style apologies for war crimes

On Salonen, Moon, and U.S. Politics

Onni Durst worked at the Korean Embassy in Tokyo in 1959

On the KCIA’s Money for Yasue Erikawa (1978)

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“FORCE CAPTAIN TO CHANGE PORT,” Kingston Whig-Standard. March 7, 1933. Page 1. --- Japanese Sailors Would Not Carry 102 Cars to the Chinese Ruler ---- TOKYO, March 7-  A Rengo (Japanese) News Agency dispatch from Dairen, Manchuria, said today that the crew of the Japanese Steamer Haru Maru, which was detained last Friday at Karatsu, Northern Kyushu Island, while carrying automobiles and trucks for delivery to Chinese troops, had compelled the captain to change the destination of the ship.

(Last Friday's dispatches said the ship was carrying 102 motor cars and trucks consigned for delivery to Marshal Chang Hsiao-Liang, military ruler in North China. After detaining the steamer for a time authorities permitted her to continue her voyage to Tientsin).

The crew acted in response to wireless orders from the Japan Seamen's Union.

The steamer arrived at Dairen, where authorities were studying what disposition was to be made of her.

[muffinlance]

I'm sorry, this was bothering me enough to send in an ask.

The stupid question is: how strict is Earth-Kingdom-is-China vs Fire-Kingdom-is-Japan generally? I mostly ask because although none of the canon characters use real Japanese names, but it feels like everyone uses Japanese names for Fire Kingdom and Chinese for Earth, which makes Chinese Wanyi for Zuko's ship not fit in.

I mean, the waters are muddied from China's historical domination over the area, and it's a really great pun, but I woke up and my brain wouldn't let go of the entirely petty issue.

Ugh. Sorry for the stupid ask, especially since I don't come bearing any like funny trivia with to mitigate with. Please feel free to disregard as well, especially since I'm too cowardly to link to my actual tumblr account.

There's absolutely no strictness, because that's a fanon division anyway, and not one I adhere to. Fanon is fake and we can make of it what we want, and I want the pretty ship name!

[pointandshooter]

Japanese white pine

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Washington, DC

photo: David Castenson

[draconicdeityarts]

Komodo Rhino! A piece I did for an ATLA zine!

[moznohayanie]

1年間の祝日を路線図にしてみた。祝日同士の距離感が可視化できて面白い。既出だったらすみません

今が一番大変だけどがんばろ！

[arthistoryanimalia]

#NationalLobsterDay 🦞:

Bowl with design of a #lobster (ise-ebi)

Japan, 17th c.

Earthenware w/ polychrome glaze (Ko-Kiyomizu ware)

H. 11.2 cm Diam. 26 cm

Met 2019.193.69

🆔 Japanese Spiny Lobster (Panulirus japonicus), an auspicious symbol of longevity

[cestacruz]

Doodles as i forget i have to wake up early

I miss Skywarp and Thundercracker so i wanted to doodle them in the RiD15 style

And some humanformers concepts because i like drawing people (not final designs, will try to refine more because this is fun, Grimlock is getting redesigned ASAP) (i yap in the tags)

[lionofchaeronea]

Morning at Cape Inubō, Hasui Kawase, 1931

[whatisonthemoon]

SEOUL (Kyodo) -- South Korea and Japan are making arrangements for a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer taking part in a naval drill hosted by South Korea next week to fly the controversial rising sun flag when it enters the port of Busan, a source familiar with bilateral relations said Thursday.

The potential agreement on the flag, which is widely viewed in South Korea as a symbol of Japan's wartime aggression, is another sign of improved bilateral ties following disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, according to the source.

While the flag is the official ensign of the MSDF, the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol's predecessor Moon Jae In asked Tokyo to refrain from raising it due to its links to the Imperial Japanese Army, which used it until the end of World War II.

With its move toward accepting the MSDF displaying the flag when it enters the South Korean port, Yoon's administration apparently aims to promote trust between the two nations' defense authorities, the source said.

The military exercise is set to take place in international waters southeast of South Korea's Jeju Island on Wednesday, South Korea's Defense Ministry has said. South Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia and Canada will participate.

The exercise is aimed at strengthening capabilities to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and a meeting by the defense officials of these nations and other countries will be held to that end on Tuesday, the ministry said.

Yoon, who became president last year, has been taking steps to improve bilateral relations with Japan and proposed a solution to the issue of wartime labor compensation in March.

Related links below

Korean environmentalists stand up to Japan

The Sacrifice of Human Health and Environment in South Korea Under US Military Occupation

Camp Humphreys: A sprawling symbol of the SK-US alliance where war and life blur

Catholic mass in South Korea demanding President Yoon to resign for “selling out Korea to Japan”

Yoon slams labor union for overnight street rally - May 23, 2023

The Imperial Ghost in the Neoliberal Machine (Figuring the CIA) - Koichiro Osaka

Kishida continues shallow MRA-style apologies for war crimes

On Salonen, Moon, and U.S. Politics

Onni Durst worked at the Korean Embassy in Tokyo in 1959

On the KCIA’s Money for Yasue Erikawa (1978)

Moon and Helen Kim met

On David Kim in the Inter-War Periods

[killa-trav]

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel embrace at the launch of the Buzzin' Corner biodiversity project during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course; Suzuka, Japan; 21.09.2023

📸; BRYN LENNON