Nihonkoku Shoukan: A Desire to Unleash the Power of the JSDF

Fathoni Hermanto
Universitas Indonesia

Abstract

During the second term of Shinzo Abe’s administration (2012–2020), the Japanese government carried out military build-up on a larger scale than the previous periods and continued to increase significantly. However, on the other hand, this military build-up has not been matched by the enforcement of Japan’s territorial sovereignty. Over the past decade, there have been violations of territorial sovereignty and endangered Japanese citizens abroad. This sparked diverse responses from the Japanese people, one of which is expressed through popular media. Therefore, this research discusses the manga Nihonkoku Shoukan (2018-present) by Minorou. This study will analyze how fantasy constructs the depiction of the JSDF in the Nihonkoku Shoukan. Furthermore, this study aims to explain the connection between the representation of the JSDF in Nihonkoku Shoukan and the issues of ambivalent pacifism and the ambiguity of the JSDF’s role. This study will use Susan J. Napier’s framework on modes of fantasy. This study argues that the Nihonkoku Shoukan attempts to emphasise the importance of drawing clear boundaries around the form of Japanese pacifism, so that the ambiguity of the JSDF’s role can be resolved. 

Keywords: JSDF, Susan J. Napier, modes of fantasy, Japan’s pacifism