Volumn Content

Japanese Research 2026 Vol.40 Please wait a minute... For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails Select “Threat Narrative” and U.S.-Japan-Philippines Intelligence Cooperation on the South China Sea Issue from the Perspective of “Asymmetric Alliances” CAO Pengpeng Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 1-12.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.001 Abstract （326）      PDF（pc） （571KB）（105）       Knowledge map    Save The South China Sea has become a focal point for major-power competition and regional security cooperation. In recent years, intelligence collaboration among the United States, Japan,and the Philippines in this region has accelerated and exhibited a trend of institutionalization. Based on the “asymmetric alliance theory”, this paper explores the threat narrative, major measures, potential impacts and corres ponding responses of thd trilateral intelligence cooperation among the three countries. Research reveals that the intelligence interaction among the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines exhibits a “dual-layer asymmetry”, characterized by an alliance structure where the U.S. leads, Japan assists, and the Philippines cooperates. Under this “asymmetric alliance” frmework, the three parties employ a meticulously crafted narrative of threats to frame the South China Sea issue as a “security challenge” requiring collective action, thereby providing a so-called legitimizing basis for their intelligence collaboration. The main measures of the trilateral intelligence cooperation in the South China Sea are reflected in intelligence working mechanisms and coordination, military and non-military integrated intelligence interactions, the deployment of intelligence technologies, as well as maritime situational awareness and joint military operations. The intensified intelligence cooperation among the U.S., Japan and the Philippines in the region has undoubtedly strengthened the deterrent effect of the U.S. alliance system and heightened tensions in the area, yet their strategic divergences and domestic political constraints have simultaneously restricted the stability of such cooperation. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The Competitive and Cooperative Game Logic of China-Japan Investment in ASEAN and Chinas Path to Breaking Through MA Wenxiu, YANG Shengqing Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 13-28.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.002 Abstract （198）      PDF（pc） （667KB）（25）       Knowledge map    Save In the geoeconomic landscape where major powers compete for ASEAN as a core arena, direct investment by China and Japan in ASEAN exhibits deep-seated asymmetric competitive and cooperative game characteristics. Japan leverages its historically accumulated investment stock, high-quality standards system, and “trust premium” to build its core advantages, while China forms a late-mover advantage through investment growth driven by the “Belt and Road” and its infrastructure capabilities. Through multi-dimensional analysis of the models of differentiated sequential game, evolutionary coordination game, and infinitely repeated game, it is found that Japan builds its sequential game dominance in the infrastructure sector using “high-quality” standards; in the institutional and rule-making field, it enhances the intrinsic value of rules through the CPTPP and strengthens network effects through the IPEF, relying on evolutionary coordination game to compete for risk advantages; and in emerging technology fields, it manipulates the core parameters of the infinitely repeated game through an “economic security guarantee” strategy. Chinas solution lies not in symmetrical confrontation, but in implementing asymmetric strategies: shifting from passive compliance to proactive bid creation, upgrading from project competition to ecosystem building, solidifying the foundation of trust with “patient capital”, and exploring limited pragmatic cooperation, ultimately reshaping the game landscape and strengthening Chinas strategic initiative and sustainability in ASEAN investment. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Research on the Formation and Countermeasures for Chinese Perceptions Among Japanese Adolescents GUAN Xiulan Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 29-41.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.003 Abstract （184）      PDF（pc） （595KB）（32）       Knowledge map    Save From a long-term perspective, the formation of Chinese perceptions in Japanese society belongs to the dual construction process of Japanese adolescents understanding of contemporary and historical China. From a regional and national perspective, investigating the causes and countermeasures behind Japanese adolescents construction of their perceptions of China holds highly significant and far-reaching implications for whether Japanese society can develop a sound understanding of China. Factors such as the school education system, mass media environment, political party discourse, and sociocultural atmosphere collectively shape Japanese adolescents perceptions of China across different dimensions. As the object of perception, China needs to conduct in-depth research on the mechanism of Chinese perception formation in Japanese society. It should follow the cognitive development patterns of adolescents, develop content production mechanisms aligned with these patterns, establish a multi-channel and multi-layered communication network, and design and implement differentiated intervention strategies for perception shaping. These efforts will assist Japanese adolescents in forming an accurate, objective, and comprehensive understanding of China. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Japans Youth Employment Policy from the Perspective of Policy Tools WANG Mengyi, XIAO Yue Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 42-56.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.004 Abstract （177）      PDF（pc） （1253KB）（32）       Knowledge map    Save Employment is the foundation of peoples livelihood, and youth employment is a top priority for countries around the world. To adapt to the recent transformation of industrial structures and new circumstances in the youth labor market, the Japanese government has introduced a youth employment policy centered on the “Society in Which All 100 Million People Can Play an Active Role” initiative as the core stimulus for youth employment. Drawing on policy tools theory, this study constructs a two-dimensional analytical framework of “policy tools-policy goals” and conducts a textual analysis of 128 youth employment policy documents issued between 2020 and 2025 by the central government and by prefectural governments in Japan. The findings indicate that Japans youth employment policies have provided a certain degree of support in addressing the current difficulties faced by young people in the labor market, while also revealing clear governmental preferences in the selection of policy goals and the use of policy tools. Overall, Japans youth employment policy tends more toward “adjustment” aimed at addressing pressing, short-term problems than toward “transformation” designed to facilitate industrial upgrading and structural change. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Coping with the Dilemma of Japanese Higher Education under the Background of Declining Birth Rates: Policy Objectives and Implementation Path WANG Baozhi, BAI Xuewei Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 57-67.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.005 Abstract （172）      PDF（pc） （575KB）（25）       Knowledge map    Save As one of the earliest countries to enter a low birth rate society, Japan has conducted long-term exploration and practice in responding to demographic changes in higher education. Confronted with multiple challenges, including shrinking student populations,regional development disparities, and market imbalances, Japan implemented comprehensive reforms focused on quality enhancement, equitable opportunities, and optimized scale. Through coordinated efforts in curriculum design,resource allocation,student management,and international expansion, the country has established a holistic governance framework to mitigate the impacts of low birth rates. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Family Education and Its Shift in the New Education Movement in Japan: Focusing on the Educational Practices of Haruko Hatoyama ZHANG Hongming, CUI Xueyan Japanese Research    2026, 40 (1): 68-68.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.01.006 Abstract （137）      PDF（pc） （593KB）（41）       Knowledge map    Save During the Taisho period in Japan, the rise of the “New Education Movement” shifted the focus toward the formation of childrens personality and individual development. Consequently, families of the new middle class gradually established a “childcentered” educational philosophy. However, the ascent of nationalism during the Showa era interrupted this progression. Through ordinances such as the National School Order and the Instructions for Promoting Family Education, the government integrated family education into an ideological control network centered on “loyalty to the Emperor and patriotism.”The author introduces Bourdieus Theory of Cultural Capital and Foucaults Theory of Disciplinary Power to explain this “pivot”—namely, the dual nature of education: it serves both as a pathway for individual development and as a mechanism for discipline. The struggle between the liberal New Education Movement and the manipulation of nationalist ideology vividly demonstrates this characteristic. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The “Pendulum” Phenomenon in Japanese Politics LIAN Degui, WANG Huihui Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 1-12.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.001 Abstract （98）      PDF（pc） （531KB）（57）       Knowledge map    Save Japanese politics is generally characterized by the long-term rule of the Liberal Democratic Party(LDP), with rare occurrences of governmental power shifts between political parties. However, due to the presence of different factions within the LDP, power shifts among these factions also constitute a form of governmental change. Since various parties hold distinct political ideologies, these ideologies often lead to policy fluctuations during power shifts. Consequently, both governmental power shifts and policy changes can trigger a “pendulum” phenomenon in politics. Specifically, in the parliamentary politics of Japan, the ruling party and the opposition parties exhibit a swing from “one-party dominance” to “ruling coalition”, and then back to “one party dominance” through the “two major parties”. Within the LDP’s political landscape, this is manifested as a shift in dominance between the party‘s conservative right-wing and conservative liberal factions, presenting a “pendulum” phenomenon. The current cabinet led by Prime Minister SnaeTakayichi has also demonstrated a shift from conservative liberal dominance to conservative right-wing dominance, thereby causing Japanese parliamentary politics to once again exhibit the “one-party dominance” phenomenon, characterized by a “pendulum” phenomenon. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Construction and Evaluation of the Earthquake Disaster Prevention System for the Nankai Trough in Japan LI Nan Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 13-28.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.002 Abstract （74）      PDF（pc） （1330KB）（27）       Knowledge map    Save The Nankai Trough, as a region prone to frequent seismic activity, poses a significant threat to surrounding areas. In response, Japanese government has established a relatively perfect earthquake disaster prevention system from the aspects of earthquake disaster prevention law, organization system, disaster prevention and mitigation measures, disaster prevention education and training, and disaster monitoring and information sharing.On this basis, Japanese government has formulated the “Basic Plan for Promoting Countermeasures against Nankai Trough Earthquakes” and a contingency plan based on “timeline”. By establishing a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism for disaster response, resources from all parties are effectively integrated and the layout of the disaster prevention system is optimized to address the risks posed by large-scale seismic disasters. An analysis of the formulation and implementation status of the “Basic Plan for Promoting Disaster Prevention Measures against Nankai Trough Earthquakes” reveals that through the aforementioned initiatives, Japan’s capacity to respond to Nankai Trough earthquakes has been further enhanced, effectively improving the overall effectiveness of disaster prevention and mitigation. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Research on the Transformation of Marriage Patterns in Japan After World WarⅡ CAO Youshun, HU Peng Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 29-41.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.003 Abstract （100）      PDF（pc） （748KB）（40）       Knowledge map    Save Japan‘s marriage patterns have undergone two major transformations After World WarⅡ. The first transition began in the early 1970s, shifting from “early and universal marriage” to “late but still universal marriage”. The second emerged after the 1990s, as “late but universal marriage” further evolved toward “late marriage and non-marriage”. As an East Asian country, Japan traditionally places strong emphasis on marriage and family. After entering the stage of “late marriage and non-marriage”, Japan’s marital and fertility behaviors have displayed distinct characteristics compared to Western countries: a stronger stated desire for marriage, a higher proportion of “parasite singles”, and a lower rate of childbearing outside marriage. In contemporary Japanese society, marriage remains the prerequisite for family formation, and the family continues to serve as the fundamental unit of society. The “late marriage and non-marriage” pattern has brought about a series of social issues in Japan, not only exacerbating the low fertility rate but also increasing the burden of social elderly care and deepening the phenomenon of social disconnectedness. Currently, China‘s marriage pattern is transitioning from “early and universal marriage” to “late but universal marriage”. Against this backdrop, studying Japans marital transformation offers valuable insights and reference for understanding the ongoing changes in marriage patterns in China. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Breaking the Dilemma of “Low Desire”:Changes in the Consumption Behavior of Japanese Youth and Educational Response Strategies TAN Jianchuan Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 42-53.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.004 Abstract （107）      PDF（pc） （598KB）（39）       Knowledge map    Save In the context of a “low-desire society”, Japanese youth’s consumption behavior has exhibited a complex evolution that deviates from traditional economic growth logic, with its core trend summarized as a shift from “expansionary” to “conservative”. To address changes in youth consumption behavior and boost consumer confidence, the Japanese government has implemented a series of measures in education in recent years, such as promoting career planning education, implementing free education systems, strengthening consumer education, and reforming vocational education systems. While these measures have achieved certain results, they also face numerous challenges, urgently requiring the Japanese government to promote deeper socio-economic institutional reforms. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The Strategic Response and Action Path of Japan‘s Children’s Policy in the Process of Low Birth Rate: Reflection and Prospect Based on Children‘s Future Action 2025 LI Kai, WANG Guoxu Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 54-66.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.005 Abstract （105）      PDF（pc） （592KB）（28）       Knowledge map    Save The problem of declining birth rate is a prominent issue in Japanese society, which has been elevated to a strategic level of shaking the foundation of social survival. The Japanese government has conducted long-term exploration from the perspectives of policy design and education reform to cope with this population crisis. This study uses historical research and policy analysis methods to sort out the policy evolution trajectory of Japan‘s response to the problem of low birth rate, and systematically analyzes its triple logic from institutional construction, conceptual transformation to practical path. Therefore, it points out the policy changes of Japan in resolving the crisis of low birth rate at the level of education policy. Research has found that in the era of declining birth rate, Japan‘s children’s policies emphasize the adoption of innovative measures and the comprehensive construction of a child growth guarantee system. At the top-level design level, support is provided from multiple dimensions such as economic support, social environment optimization, talent cultivation, and family development. At the content level, it emphasizes the reconstruction of cognition, concepts, content, and guarantees, and thus constructs a new collaborative education ecosystem for high-quality development of children. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Creative Writing Education in Japanese Universities: From Practice Patterns and Conceptual Roots to Discursive Co-construction ZOU Qian Japanese Research    2026, 40 (2): 67-80.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.02.006 Abstract （59）      PDF（pc） （615KB）（34）       Knowledge map    Save Creative writing, as a modern Western disciplinary paradigm, exhibits distinct endogenous and transformative characteristics when adapted to the Japanese context. Japanese universities have not pursued a singular path of disciplinary specialization but instead integrated it into existing literary traditions and disciplinary reform processes, achieving a profound fusion of foreign methodologies(workshops)and indigenous traditions(literary and artistic creation). In practical terms, three modes have emerged: aesthetic endogenous, cross-disciplinary conceptualization, and social collaboration, respectively embodying an aesthetic tradition centered on “life practice”, creativity development oriented toward “cultural conceptualization”, and an open writing perspective within the globalized context. Such a gradual localization pathway not only shows the characteristics of the Japanese model, but also provides a comparative point of view for how creative writing can be developed in non-English contexts. Through a comparison of the developmental paths and practical challenges faced by creative writing education in China and Japan, similarities can be identified between the two countries in terms of collaborative mechanisms, curriculum systems, and disciplinary evaluation. Universities in China and Japan may explore pathways for coordinated development by promoting regular practical cooperation, cross-media curriculum development, and academic exchange mechanisms. By jointly exploring the aesthetic resources of East Asian narratives, they can advance the construction of localized paradigms for creative writing education in non-English contexts, and foster the discursive co-construction and the enhancement of international expressive capacity in East Asian creative writing education. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The Historical Mirror and Contemporary Reflection on the Dissemination of Marxism in Japan: An Examination Based on the Centennial Practice of the Japanese Communist Party WANG Ping, ZHU Tianfeng Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 1-11.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.001 Abstract （67）      PDF（pc） （559KB）（44）       Knowledge map    Save The Japanese Communist Party(JCP), one of the longest-established and relatively large-membership parties in the capitalist world, has consistently upheld Marxism as its guiding ideology since its founding. Reviewing its century-long history of Marxist dissemination, from the theoretical groundwork laid in its early years, through postwar revival and programmatic adjustments, to contemporary theoretical reflection, the JCP has persistently confronted three structural predicaments: limited localization development, marginalized political status, and weak class foundation. In response, the JCP must continuously deepen theoretical innovation to advance the localization of Marxism; actively broaden its class base to cultivate a team of Marxist propagators; and strengthen international exchange and cooperation to draw on the socialist experiences of other nations. At the same time, the experience and lessons learned by the JCP in organizational construction and theoretical innovation have important reflective value for the construction of the Communist Party in the new era. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The Role Transformation and Response of Japan Coast Guard in the Perspective of “Indo-Pacific Strategy” GU Kaihui Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 12-26.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.002 Abstract （48）      PDF（pc） （641KB）（11）       Knowledge map    Save Japan, as a key promoter of the “Indo-Pacific Strategy”, attempts to leverage this strategy to achieve its strategic intentions of building itself into a political and military power while containing China. Through a systematic examination of Japan's key strategic documents, including the “Three Security Documents”, the Basic Plan on Ocean Policy, and recent developments of the Japan Coast Guard, it can be observed that under the guidance of the “comprehensive maritime security” concept, the Japan Coast Guard has gradually deviated from its original mandate as a maritime law enforcement agency established upon its founding. It has progressively become a major dimension of Japan's military expansion, a new window for international cooperation, an important tool of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and a “vanguard” in containing and countering China. This role transformation aligns with multiple practical needs of Japan, including accelerating the deep strategic coupling of the U.S.-Japan alliance, promoting the “pan-securitization” of maritime strategy, counterbalancing Chinas maritime influence, compensating for its own maritime military capabilities, and adapting to the global trend of coast guard development. The role transformation of the Japan Coast Guard has a non-negligible impact on China's maritime security. Accordingly, China needs to formulate practical and effective countermeasures in response to this change. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select The Current Situation and Challenges of Japan's Educational Aid to Latin America from the Perspective of Japanese National Interests GU Xianlin, QIN Yueyang Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 27-39.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.003 Abstract （50）      PDF（pc） （621KB）（9）       Knowledge map    Save Japans motivation for providing educational aid to Latin America lies in achieving its geopolitical, economic, and cultural interests, ensuring its status as a influential power in the international community. To this end, Japan has extended aid in areas such as basic education, higher education, vocational and technical education, among others. During the implementation of these aid programs, Japan adopted the following strategies: based on the principle of “self-help and effort”, it pursued a practical approach combining “grassroots participation” with a “bottom-up” orientation. It established a project-based aid mechanism involving collaboration among multiple stakeholders. In practice, despite Japans emphasis on “soft aid” and cultural sensitivity, it still frequently encounters cross-cultural challenges. Currently, China has surpassed Japan as the largest Asian donor in Latin America. Studying Japans educational aid to Latin America helps us formulate and select alternative strategies, avoid pitfalls encountered in Japanese aid, and shape Chinas distinctive donor image. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Changes in Bilateral Relations Between South Korea and Japan and the Transformation of Japanese Language Majors in South Korean Universities LIU Ziyu Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 40-56.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.004 Abstract （46）      PDF（pc） （910KB）（9）       Knowledge map    Save Under the background of regional interaction in East Asia, the change of bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan has promoted the transformation of Japanese majors in South Korean universities. The study found that the transformation of Korean Japanese major is not only due to the internal needs of its education system, but also an institutional response to the impact of South Korea-Japan relations. The interactive mechanism of economy, trade and culture, the transmission mechanism of system and the individual selection mechanism of learners jointly promote the transformation of the training objectives of Korean Japanese major from single language ability to compound ability, and promote the interdisciplinary integration and functional differentiation of Japanese related majors. At the same time, demographic changes, higher education reform and artificial intelligence technology have further accelerated this transformation process. Although the employment adaptability has been improved after the transformation, Japanese majors in South Korean universities still need to cope with the challenges such as the conflict between humanity and application, the contraction of students and the lag of curriculum and post demand. From a regional and national perspective, bilateral relations, as an intermediary mechanism, are reshaping the organizational system and talent training structure of Japanese-related majors in universities in Japans neighboring countries. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select Research on the Assistance Mechanism for Foreign Crime Victims in Japan MI Duo Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 57-68.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.005 Abstract （41）      PDF（pc） （570KB）（4）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, growing attention has been paid to traffic accidents, sexual violence, and other unlawful harms suffered by foreigners in Japan. With the increase in cross-border mobility, whether foreign crime victims in Japan can obtain timely and effective assistance has become a practical legal issue. Currently, Japan has developed a relatively systematic support system for crime victims, under which foreign victims may in principle obtain financial compensation, legal aid, and psychological support from relevant public authorities. At the same time, some private support organizations in Japan also provide multilingual and phased assistance to foreigners, and in certain fields specialized support mechanisms for foreign victims have gradually emerged. Therefore, examining the legal basis, substantive content, and implementation methods for the assistance of foreign crime victims in Japan from an institutional perspective holds clear theoretical significance and practical value. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0） Select An Analysis of the Legalization Process and Implementation Outcomes of Japan's Carbon Tax System ZHANG Siyin, LUO Hui Japanese Research    2026, 40 (3): 69-80.   DOI: 10.14156/j.cnki.rbwtyj.2026.03.006 Abstract （29）      PDF（pc） （561KB）（6）       Knowledge map    Save Japans carbon tax system has evolved gradually over the past half-century, passing through four distinct phases: the initial development and exploration of the system; institutional optimization in the context of fulfilling emission reduction commitments; the establishment and refinement of the “Global Warming Countermeasures Tax”; and the stable operation of the carbon tax system alongside policy coordination.Today, it has evolved into a comprehensive carbon pricing system centered on the carbon tax and integrated with a variety of emission reduction mechanisms.In terms of implementation outcomes, while Japans carbon tax has had limited emissions-reduction effects in the short term, through the continuous transmission of price signals, the system has exerted a structural guiding influence on energy structure transformation, corporate investment decisions, and consumer behavior in the medium to long term.Overall, Japans strategy of implementing the system incrementally has ensured its long-term acceptability and sustainable operation. However, this cautious approach also imposes limits on the systems implementation: with low tax rates and broad exemptions, the uniformity and effectiveness of carbon pricing are both weakened, making it difficult for the carbon tax alone to shoulder the burden of ambitious emission reduction targets, and resulting in emission reduction outcomes that are clearly “dependent” on other measures.Practical experience with Japans carbon tax system shows that a gradual implementation strategy helps stabilize market expectations and guide long-term investment; the carbon tax should be positioned as a foundational pricing tool rather than a standalone emissions reduction measure; and the long-term incentive effects of the carbon pricing mechanism depend on the synergy of multiple policy systems. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）