Exploring the Anxiety of Being Japanese

The nature of Nihonjinron lies in its attempt to explain who the Japanese are and thereby remove the anxiety associated with the identity of the modern Japanese. The existence of this anxiety stems from the fact that in modern times Japan occupied a peculiar historical position, namely, it was not a society that belonged to the Western history that produced "the modern age." Since Japan being an outsider in the so-called "Western" modern era is a historical given that cannot be changed retroactively, the anxiety arises again and again. When the "anxiety" rises, Nihonjinron is written, making interpretations in line with the features of that anxiety. However, as this anxiety over identity is ingrained and surpassable, a new form of "anxiety" always emerges and every time this happens a new work of Nionjinron becomes a bestseller. Yet, by no means does this "anxiety" only increase in the event of crises involving "Japan"; it arises equally when the future of the country looks favourable, as its people do not feel certain about its success. This, the anxiety of the Nihonjinron as a response to it appears both when the country's power strengthens and when it fades.