My Czech Friend’s Single Word: Contemplating “Far-Right” Reports and Japan’s Future October 9, 2025 (Thursday)

 

This morning, a sudden message in Japanese from my Czech friend made me pause.

「極右」 (Kyoku-u) — “Far-Right.”

Just three characters. I instantly knew who he was talking about: Sanae Takaichi, the new LDP President.

A mix of shock and confusion prompted my English reply:

"What defines the far right? Aren't they being misled by false reports? Is it the influence of old media?"

I don't know what article he read or in what language, but it's clear that the European media is likely labeling Takaichi as "far-right."

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Defining "Far-Right" vs. Facing Japan's Reality

That term, "far-right," stuck with me, so I looked up the definition on Wikipedia:

It generally refers to individuals or groups whose ideological leanings are extremely right-wing or nationalistic. Typically, its essence is ethnic supremacism, asserting the absolute superiority of one's own nation or ethnicity over others, often justifying the exclusion and subjugation of other ethnic groups.

It's true that Ms. Takaichi is conservative and holds strong right-leaning tendencies. I won't deny that. But is it really fair to dismiss her as "far-right" so easily?

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The policies she emphasizes are responses to "realities" that Japan has long avoided:

• The immigration and refugee issues currently unfolding in Europe could very well happen in Japan in the future.

• The escalating Kurdish community issues in Kawaguchi City.

• The ongoing acquisition of land by Chinese entities in Hokkaido and Okinawa.

Haven't these problems arisen because Japan has tried too hard to be the "good kid" on the global stage?

Is asking foreign nationals who disregard our laws and disrespect our culture to return to their own country truly an "extremist" position?

If that's the case, then surely President Donald Trump, with his "America First" platform, would be considered the very embodiment of the "far-right."

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Is a Spy Prevention Law Also "Far-Right"?

There's an even more serious matter: The Anti-Espionage Law (Spy Prevention Law).

As you know, Japan lacks a dedicated law to prosecute spies, earning it the nickname, "Spy Paradise." In a time of heightened international tension, establishing laws to protect national secrets and advanced technology is an urgent necessity.

Will the act of enacting a new Spy Prevention Law—a measure that is simply "global standard"—also be branded as "far-right"?

I genuinely believe that if Sanae Takaichi is designated as Prime Minister in the next Diet session, Japan will finally end its "good kid" era and begin to behave as a "normal country"—a "global-standard country"—on the international stage.

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What are Your Thoughts?

Where do we draw the line between "conservative" and "far-right"? And why are actions aimed at protecting Japan's security and culture so often reported as "far-right" overseas?

What is your take on this foreign "far-right" reporting? Please share your thoughts in the comments!