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Mitsuru Matsutani Analyzes Young People’s Shift Away from the Left, Proposes Overcoming Political Divisions through Tolerance and Altruism

English translation of the Japanese article.

Key points

On October 13, 2026, at Omori Church in Ota Ward, Tokyo, the National Conference hosted by the Special Committee on the Yasukuni Shrine Issue of the Japan Christian Church Assembly was held. At this event, Professor Mitsuru Matsutani of Chukyo University gave a lecture titled "Peace, Human Rights, and Justice—Why Does Liberalism Not Reach Young People?" Matsutani analyzed the background of young people's distancing from left-wing and liberal parties based on public opinion surveys, and called for the spirit of "tolerance" and "altruism" as necessary to overcome political divisions. [1]

Mitsuru Matsutani Analyzes Young People's Shift Away from the Left in Lecture

On October 13, 2026, the National Conference hosted by the Special Committee on the Yasukuni Shrine Issue of the Japan Christian Church Assembly was held at Omori Church in Ota Ward, Tokyo. Professor Mitsuru Matsutani of Chukyo University delivered a lecture titled "Peace, Human Rights, and Justice—Why Does Liberalism Not Reach Young People?" Matsutani provided a detailed analysis, based on various public opinion surveys, of the current situation in which young people, especially university-educated men, have growing aversion toward left-wing and liberal parties. [1]

Background of Young People's Shift Away from the Left and the Reality of Political Divisions

Matsutani pointed out that the background to young people's distancing from left-wing and liberal parties includes support for nuclear power promotion and strengthening of security policies, as well as a high frequency of internet use. He showed that in 2025, the proportion of young university-educated men who dislike the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Communist Party reached 45%. He also analyzed that the weakening influence of formerly trusted mass media and academic authorities has contributed to this trend. [1]

Explanation of Liberalism and the Diversity of the Right Wing

Matsutani explained liberalism as a stance that emphasizes individual freedom and rights, including freedom of religion and speech, as well as freedom from the state, majority, and customs. He noted that "peace" and "justice" have historical backgrounds characteristic of Japan's left-wing and liberal forces. Additionally, he introduced that the right wing and authoritarianism are not monolithic but can be classified into four types: patriotism, tradition, exclusionism, and anti-leftism, with only 0.2% of people fitting all categories, illustrating a diverse reality. [1] [2]

Changes in Young People's Political Awareness and the Evolution of the Meanings of Conservatism and Progressivism

In young people's political awareness, the meanings of "conservatism" and "progressivism" have changed, with those aged 40 and under tending to view challenges to vested interests and reformists as progressive. This has led to a loss of the obviousness of traditional political labels, making it harder for young people to choose political parties to support. Matsutani analyzed that these changes stem from social backgrounds following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the economic bubble. [3]

Proposal to Overcome Political Divisions through the Spirit of Tolerance and Altruism

At the end of his lecture, Matsutani introduced the "tolerance" emphasized by political scientist Francis Fukuyama and the "altruism" that intellectual historian Helena Rosenblatt identifies as a source of liberalism. He stressed the importance of not excessively demonizing opposing parties and of trying to understand their backgrounds even without empathy. He expressed hope that dialogue and understanding could open new paths in the conflicts surrounding the Yasukuni Shrine issue. [1]

Sources and references

This English edition was translated and reviewed using AI against the Japanese original and cited sources. Source titles remain in their original language.

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