현대일본의 애국주의 -전후공간과 탈냉전공간의 애국심론-

Abstract

This study is to delve into Japanese intellectuals’ conception of the state and patriotism in post-war and post-Cold War Japan, featuring Okuma Nobuyuki(1893-1977), who was vehemently critical of the Japanese state based on his war experience, and Saeki Keishi(1949- ), a conservative thinker favorably espousing the necessity of national identitiy and patriotism in Japan. Preliminary consideration starts with reviewing some general issues of patriotism, moves to grasping Japanese intellectuals’ views of two contexts, and shifts to describing the nature of the argument on patriotism. Japanese intellectuals’ arguments about patriotism can be understood at three levels. The level of ‘state vs nation vs individual’ is related to the subject and object of patriotism and national identity. Saeki places priority to ‘the state’ emphasizing Japanese historical tradition; while Okuma respects the individual’s liberty regarding the state as an evil. The level of ‘idea vs experience’ can be set for grasping the universality and the particularity of patriotism. Saeki’s “experience” depends on the idea of “Japanese spirit” whereas Okuma convoyed his criticitical views of the Japanese state. The level of ‘natural vs intentional’ can be also questioned to understand the ethos and the rationality of patriotism. Okuma had his strong intention for drastically reforming the Japanese state infringing the individual’s right; Saeki seeks to intentionally resurrect patriotism even though considering the natural or gradual change of the tradition-based state. In the postwar context Okuma critically argued the Japanese state and patriotism, based on universal human values and war experience; in post-Cold War context Saeki’s nationalistic patriotism derives its footing from Japanese tradition and Japanese spirit. This difference comes from their constrasting conception of the postwar system and democracy in Japan.