January 30, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Japanese adults believe their fellow citizens should be prouder of their country, according to a poll by Asahi. 63 per cent of respondents feel Japan should have a stronger sense of patriotism.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Japanese adults believe their fellow citizens should be prouder of their country, according to a poll by Asahi. 63 per cent of respondents feel Japan should have a stronger sense of patriotism.

On Jan. 26, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe declared he would promote a series of policies that will boost Japanese feelings of identity and entitlement, adding, "I declare 2007 as 'The First Year for Creating a Beautiful Country.'"

Abe's policies seek to encourage patriotism and "Japanese values" in schools, strengthen Japan's ties to the United States in order to "promote world peace", and establish a strategic relationship with China. The prime minister also mentioned North Korea's nuclear capabilities, and said he would use both "diplomacy" and "pressure" to deal with the threat.

During the American occupation that followed Japan's surrender in 1945 after World War II, a clause was included in the country's constitution that stated Japan's military would only play a defensive role, and prohibited the use of force as a means to settle international disputes. Abe proposed to amend the clause, saying, "Now is the time for us to boldly revise this post-war regime and make a new start".

Abe became the new leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September 2006, and replaced Junichiro Koizumi as prime minister. An upper-house election is scheduled to take place in July.

Polling Data

Do you feel Japan should have a stronger sense of patriotism?

Yes	63%
No	27%

Source: Asahi
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,805 Japanese adults, conducted on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 2006. No margin of error was provided.