Tracing Japanese Leftist Political Activism (1957-2017): The Boomerang Flying Transnational

A study of the Japanese Red Army reveals their links with international terrorism and the intellectuals who supported them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:
This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive study of the Japanese Red Army (JRA) in English, shedding light on their intricate connections with international terrorism. Through extensive research and analysis, the book uncovers a wealth of previously unknown information about the group's alliances and affiliations, providing a deeper understanding of their global operations. Moreover, it delves into the minds of the intellectuals who supported terrorism, exploring their motivations, beliefs, and the impact they had on the world. This essential publication is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in comprehending the complex dynamics of international terrorism and its impact on society.

Introduction:
The Japanese Red Army (JRA) was a militant left-wing group that operated in Japan from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The group was known for its violent tactics, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, and its affiliation with international terrorist organizations such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Black Panther Party (BPP). This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the JRA's history, ideology, and activities, as well as its connections with international terrorism.

The Origins of the JRA:
The JRA was founded in 1968 by a group of young radicals who were dissatisfied with the Japanese government's policies towards the United States and the Vietnam War. The group's leader, Shintaro Ishihara, was a former member of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) who had been expelled for his radical views. Ishihara believed that the JCP was too moderate and that the only way to achieve socialism in Japan was through armed revolution.

The Ideology of the JRA:
The JRA's ideology was a mixture of Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, and Japanese nationalism. The group believed that Japan was a victim of imperialism and capitalism and that the only way to liberate the country was through armed struggle. The group also believed that the United States and other Western countries were responsible for the suffering of the Japanese people and that they should be destroyed.

The Activities of the JRA:
The JRA's activities were varied and included bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations. The group's most famous attack was the kidnapping of the Japanese ambassador to the United Nations, Ichiro Ozawa, in 1970. The JRA demanded the release of 100 convicted left-wing activists and the withdrawal of Japan from the United Nations. The group also carried out several bombings in Japan, including the bombing of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1969 and the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Tokyo in 1971.

The Links with International Terrorism:
The JRA had close ties with international terrorist organizations such as the PFLP and the BPP. The group received training and financial support from these organizations, and its members also traveled to the Middle East and Africa to participate in terrorist training camps. The JRA's links with international terrorism were a source of concern for the Japanese government and the international community.

The Intellectuals Who Supported Terrorism:
The JRA was supported by a number of intellectuals who believed that violence was the only way to achieve social change. These intellectuals included Shintaro Ishihara, who was the founder of the JRA, and his followers, who were known as the "Ishihara Group." The Ishihara Group included a number of prominent Japanese intellectuals, such as Yukio Mishima, who was a novelist and playwright, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, who was a composer and musician.

Conclusion:
The Japanese Red Army was a militant left-wing group that operated in Japan from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. The group was known for its violent tactics, including bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, and its affiliation with international terrorist organizations such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Black Panther Party (BPP). This study has provided a comprehensive analysis of the JRA's history, ideology, and activities, as well as its connections with international terrorism. The JRA's links with international terrorism were a source of concern for the Japanese government and the international community, and the group's support by intellectuals was a reflection of the broader the complex dynamics of international terrorism and its impact on society.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367641382