Daisuke Akimoto Livres

This book examines Japan’s changing pacifism and its implications for Japan’s security identity from 1945 to the present. To examine the shift in Japanese pacifism, this research employs the concept of ‘negative pacifism’ (Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution) and ‘positive pacifism’ (the Preamble of the Constitution) as an analytical framework. To analyse multiple factors which facilitated the shift in Japan’s pacifism, this study applies ‘analytical eclecticism’ and integrates the analytical framework (negative-positive pacifism) with orthodox international relations theories and approaches. In an application of analytical eclecticism, the author proposes four theoretical models of Japan’s security identity: (a) ‘pacifist state’ (classical liberalism/negative pacifism); (b) ‘UN peacekeeper’ (neo-liberalism/positive pacifism); (c) ‘normal state’ (classical realism/domestic pressure); and (d) ‘US ally’ (neo-realism/external-structural pressure). In addition to the four basic models above, this book attempts to reveal Japan’s ‘core security identity’ as a ‘global pacifist state’.

This book examines Prime Minister Abe's 2013 policy on international peace and security, focusing on the Peace and Security Legislation that allowed Japan to exercise collective self-defense. It analyzes the legislation's impact on domestic, bilateral, and international fronts, particularly regarding Japan's defense programs and peacekeeping efforts.

The exploration of Japan's nuclear identity reveals its complex stance as a 'nuclear-bombed state,' 'nuclear disarmament state,' 'nuclear-threatened state,' and 'nuclear umbrella state.' It delves into the historical context of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, debates their classification as genocide, and assesses Japan's role in nuclear disarmament amidst threats from North Korea and its alliance with the U.S. The book also critiques Japan's lack of support for the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and envisions future pathways for its nuclear disarmament diplomacy.

Focusing on the themes of war and peace, this book analyzes the animation films of Studio Ghibli, particularly those directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It explores how these films reflect historical conflicts, from World War I to the Iraq War, through a peace research lens. Key movies such as Nausica of the Valley of the Wind and Grave of the Fireflies are examined for their relevance to major wars and nuclear issues. Additionally, the study highlights the films' potential as tools for peace education, encouraging audiences to foster peace within themselves.

The book examines the peace philosophy guiding Japanese prime ministers from 1945 to the present, aiming to identify a consistent political philosophy that shapes Japan's foreign and defense policies. It delves into the broader narrative of international relations, offering a meta-analysis of the key factors influencing Japanese politics. This timely exploration provides valuable insights into Japan's role as a significant yet complex player in Asia's transformation, appealing to scholars, observers of Asian dynamics, and journalists alike.

Focusing on Japan's evolving human security diplomacy in global health, this book explores the nation's contributions to key initiatives like Gavi, COVAX, and the Global Fund, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzes Japan's official development assistance and innovative partnerships, including collaborations with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on AI applications. The research also examines Japan's Global Health Strategy and its implications for global health diplomacy, especially during the G7 summits, while identifying various global health actors shaping the post-pandemic landscape.

In the study of Japanese politics, New Komeito tends to be overlooked despite its political influence. It has been 50 years since the establishment of the party and its significance in Japanese politics needs to be re-examined in an academic manner. To this end, this book sheds light on the influence of New Komeito on Japan s foreign and security policy. By applying a theoretical classification, this study categorises New Komeito s pacifist policy as anti- war pacifism , realistic pacifism , and international pacifism . Based on the theoretical perspectives, the author argues that New Komeito s anti-war pacifism has been consistent, that the party has recognised Japan s right to self-defence based on realistic pacifism, and that it has supported Japan s contributions to international peace operations based on international pacifism. To substantiate the main arguments, this book investigates the foreign and security policy of the party in the Cold War, post-Cold War and post-9/11 period. Finally, the book explores New Komeito s stance on constitutional revision, especially Article 9, the so-called peace clause , which is crucial to the current debate in the politics of Japan.

Dieses Buch untersucht die Friedensphilosophie der japanischen Premierminister seit 1945 und deren Einfluss auf Japans Außen- und Verteidigungspolitik. Es bietet eine Metaanalyse der internationalen Beziehungen und einen aktuellen Einblick in Japans Rolle als bedeutender Akteur in Asien. Ideal für Wissenschaftler und Journalisten.