Beyond Methodological Nationalism

Abstract

This article discusses the problem of lingering methodological nationalism within Japanese studies. It argues that methodological nationalism remains widespread not only in research but also in university teaching and public dissemination, which legitimises popular conceptions of Japan as a singular, unified entity that is essentially different from both the West and continental Asia. This methodological nationalism is a consequence of the ways in which disciplinary structures contribute to the reification, demarcation and naturalisation of ‘Japan’ and ‘things Japanese’ as distinct objects of study in need of their own guild of specialised interpreters. The article argues that to overcome methodological nationalism, scholars of Japan need to reconsider their choice of subject matter and reflect more upon their use of the adjective ‘Japanese’. It proposes three research agendas for the academic study of Japan. First, we should study discursive and institutional processes of Japan-making instead of being complicit in them. Second, we need to rethink ‘Japan’ as our main spatio-cultural unit by focusing on diversity within the Japanese isles and beyond (including migrant and Indigenous perspectives). Third, we should conduct and contribute to comparative research that focuses on both local particulars and transnational connections, rather than using the nation-state as our main unit of analysis.

The Naha Confucius Temple lawsuit and religion-making in Japan’s courts of law

“…Notwithstanding the fact that no religious corporation was involved in the latter case, the justices used their common sense to conclude that in Japan, rites such as these were beyond the pale of culture and tradition, essentially utilizing the principle of secularism as a tool to ensure that an organization dedicated to celebrating one aspect of the unique cultural heritage of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom was kept at arm's length from the Japanese public. In doing so, they also contributed to the institutional process of "Japan-making" (Rots 2023), by privileging what was assumed to be the national majority's understanding of normal behavior in order to strike down on an institution representing the distinct history of one of Japan's last remaining colonial holdings.…”