Introduction

Chapter Summary

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book Hasegawa Nyozekan and Liberalism in Modern Japan. Nyozekan is important not only as an example of the link of continuity between pre- and postwar Japan; he was also part of the process of change in Japan. Nyozekan used his beliefs about the Japanese character as a way to appraise, judge, and critique Japanese society. This enabled him to channel his political and social commentary into the more discreet, but not necessarily less critical, form of Japanese cultural studies. The image of a modern intellectual clothed in traditional garb best exemplifies Nyozekan's unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Keywords: Hasegawa Nyozekan; modern Japan; political criticism; political democracy