The Search for a New Order: Intellectuals and Fascism in Prewar Japan

by William Miles Fletcher III

Fletcher explains how three writers--Ryu Shintaro, Royama Masamichi, and Miki Kiyoshi--who were supporters of democratic socialism became ideologues for the East Asian bloc ideal that rationalized Japan's dominance of Asia after 1937, and he demonstrates how and why they designed the New Order movement of 1940. He concludes that the advocacy of fascism was a reasoned effort to respond to the ills of industrialization and the challenges of mobilization for war.

Originally published in 1982.

A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

Genres: Japan

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

William Miles Fletcher is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Reviews

[Benemint · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a coherent narrative of how Royama, Ryu, and Miki envisioned fascism as the solution. Enjoyed it.