Event Report: The Politics of Non-Politics in Post 1960s Japan
On September 20th, Nick Kapur, associate professor of history at Rutgers University, delivered a presentation on the emergence of the non-political movement, or non-pori, in late 1960s Japan.
Professor Kapur began by discussing how the concept of being non-political differs in Japan compared to the United States or Canada. It is not uncommon for Japanese individuals to self-identify as non-political while holding opinions or attending events that would be considered political in the West. In Japan, politics often refers to a narrower scope of specific political parties and intra-party factions, frequently linked to Cold War divisions.
In the postwar period, a significant struggle emerged over Japan’s post-war identity. Kapur emphasized that both the far right and left believed their vision was the most legitimate. The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) gained authority by not aligning with right-wing Japanese nationalism during the war. Conversely, starting in 1947, the Reverse Course process focused on re-legitimizing right-wing forces and encouraging re-militarization.
This tension culminated in the 1960s with the Anpo protests and the Miike Coal Mine Labor Union protests against the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. Both protests were marked by violence and extensive media coverage. Extremism on both sides led to heightened tensions, with left-wing student protestors growing increasingly radical. On the far right, Prime Minister Kishi called upon right-wing counter-protest groups to secure the capital during the Anpo protests, resulting in violent confrontations with student protestors. A similar situation unfolded during the Miike Coal Mine protests, where right-wing and yakuza members intimidated demonstrators.
Although both protests were deemed losses for the left, they were not outright victories for the right either. A silent middle-class majority emerged, perceiving both extremes as too radical. Thus, the non-pori movement arose as a commitment to neither side, with being non-political becoming a point of pride. The non-pori movement fostered individualism and emphasized a commitment to issues rather than ideology. Non-pori groups developed their own unique identity and organized activities such as picketing, barricading, speeches, and educational events.
By 1970, there was a growing sense of dissatisfaction, as the uprisings of the 1960s failed to achieve conclusive results. More individuals began to turn away from traditional activism and organized around specific issues such as women’s rights, residents' movements, and environmental protection. Non-pori groups achieved significant successes by focusing on particular goals and demanding reforms, all while maintaining their distance from specific ideologies. While some criticized this approach for failing to challenge Japan’s fundamental political orientation, Kapur stressed that the politics of non-pori have yielded substantial results in Japan.
Following the presentation, there was a lively question-and-answer session. Attendees raised questions about the role of professors in political movements, contemporary university activism, and strategies for gaining power through non-political means. We would like to thank Professor Kapur for sharing his insightful perspectives and the audience for their engaged participation.
