Japan’s global image has long been dominated by its post-war soft power exports: kawaii mascots, anime and polite hospitality. But beneath this "pink mask" lies a strategic shift that is reshaping Tokyo's domestic and foreign policy.
Two Faces of Japan
In late 2025, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shocked many by linking Japanese security directly to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. She warned that the Chinese mainland’s use of force on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Beyond the diplomatic ripples with China, this statement unveiled a deeper duality within Japan’s identity.
Under the Pink Mask
On the surface, Japan’s Tatemae remains a beacon of technological sophistication and cultural charm. Yet quickly, the government has accelerated defense spending to 2 percent of GDP in the 2025 fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is also dismantling restrictions on lethal defense equipment exports, aiming to transform the defense industry from a domestic supplier into a global player.
Rising Nationalism and Anti-Foreigner Sentiment
At home, a growing Honne feeds rising ethno-nationalism. Political factions like Sanseito have gained ground by calling for a return to “true” Japanese values, framing foreign labor as a threat to cultural identity. In tourist hotspots such as Kyoto and Osaka, post-pandemic visitors face growing restrictions and local pushback, with proposals to limit short-term rentals and control site access.
As Japan strengthens its military posture abroad, segments of society are increasingly viewing outsiders with suspicion at home. This parallel tightening—embracing both rearmament and a defensive cultural stance—reveals the paradox of a nation wearing a cute, welcoming façade while preparing for harder strategic realities.
Reference(s):
The pink mask: How Kawaii culture shields Japan's hardening edge
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