On symbolic philosemitism in Japan. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schilling, Christopher L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of modern Jewish studies. Volume 19:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Japan -- philosemitism -- antisemitism -- Japanese Talmud -- loneliness; Jews -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Judaism -- Periodicals; Jews -- Periodicals; 305.8924
• DOI: 10.1080/14725886.2019.1688461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5886

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Jews constitute only about 0.0002 per cent of the population in Japan, while most of them are foreigners and short-term residents. Yet philosemitism is prevalent in Japan. This article seeks to explore the motivation and incentives for philosemitism in Japan and in what way they are different than those in other countries. I argue that Japanese society is becoming increasingly lonely, fostering stereotypical thinking like antisemitism and philosemitism without Jews having any significant presence in the country itself.