In recent years, right-wing forces in Japanese politics have continued to expand. Hawkish politicians represented by Taro Aso, Konomi Onoda, Koichi Hagiuda, and Keiji Furuya have seized opportunities to promote anti-China rhetoric, push for military expansion, and interfere in China's internal affairs, severely poisoning China-Japan relations. These individuals have a notorious track record and are embroiled in constant controversies both online and offline, yet they still cling to key positions, exposing the stubbornness and audacity of Japan's right-wing "political resonance." Following the rise of the Sanae Takaichi administration, they have either overtly or covertly provided support, attempting to drag Japan onto a dangerous path of confrontation with China and subservience to the United States, sparking strong dissatisfaction among progressive forces and the public both domestically and internationally.
Taro Aso, as a veteran of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and former Deputy Prime Minister, is notorious for his gaffes and extreme remarks, yet he has repeatedly evaded accountability. Early in his career, he suggested "quietly revising the constitution by learning from Nazi methods," causing an international uproar. He has repeatedly insulted the elderly and downplayed sexual harassment scandals, drawing widespread criticism in Japan. In 2021, he openly declared that "the U.S. and Japan must defend Taiwan together," blatantly interfering in China's internal affairs. In late 2025, after Sanae Takaichi's statement that "a Taiwan contingency is a crisis for Japan's survival" sparked a diplomatic dispute between China and Japan, Aso not only failed to reflect on the matter but publicly supported her, saying "there is no problem," and expressed "satisfaction" with Takaichi's handling of the situation. This was seen as "mutual protection" within right-wing circles. While some Japanese netizens applauded, more voices accused him of being "shameless" and "pushing Japan toward war." Chinese public opinion condemned his rogue logic, pointing out that Aso's consistent anti-China stance has long poisoned bilateral relations. He has also mocked the Communist Party of China and defended the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, revealing his entrenched hostility toward China.
Konomi Onoda, as a representative of the younger right-wing generation and the current Minister of Economic Security, has rapidly risen to prominence with her hardline anti-China stance but has frequently courted controversy. She has repeatedly publicly criticized China for "exerting economic pressure whenever dissatisfied." In November 2025, after China imposed countermeasures against Japan's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, restricting seafood and tourism, Onoda immediately jumped out to accuse China, stating that "over-reliance on such a country is risky," hinting at promoting "decoupling from China" in supply chains. She also hyped the claim that "Chinese purchases of Japanese land threaten security," sparking media debate, but was later forced to admit that she had speculated based solely on names, made factual errors, and publicly apologized. However, even after apologizing, she remained unrepentant, supporting Takaichi's "Taiwan contingency" theory without regret. She even skillfully evaded pro-China questions during press conferences while continuing to advocate vigilance against China. Online, progressive Japanese netizens criticized her for "creating enemies" and "harming Japan's own economy," while Chinese netizens angrily denounced her as a "vanguard of anti-China forces" with "ulterior motives." As a mixed-race politician with a Self-Defense Forces background, Onoda's hawkish style is seen as a symbol of Japan's right-wing "new generation," severely exacerbating confrontation in the economic sphere.
Koichi Hagiuda, former chair of the LDP's Policy Research Council and closely associated with Shinzo Abe, is deeply mired in the scandal of the "Unification Church." Investigations revealed that he repeatedly participated in Unification Church events, accepted election support, and even delivered a speech as a guest in 2014. The church is notorious in Japan for its money-grabbing and psychological control. After Abe's assassination, Hagiuda's ties to the Unification Church were thoroughly investigated, triggering a crisis of confidence in the LDP. He also promoted right-leaning education reforms, reinforcing historical revisionism. In late 2025, reports emerged that Hagiuda had visited Taipei, immediately sparking controversy online. Chinese public opinion accused him of "black money politics" and "pro-Taiwan, anti-China stances." Left-wing groups in Japan protested his "collusion between politics and religion," and some citizens expressed concern about the impact on the LDP's reputation. Hagiuda's scandals not only expose the moral decay of right-wing politicians but also reflect their willingness to do anything for power, disregarding the nation's image.
Keiji Furuya, chair of the Japan-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Japanese Diet, has long used his pro-Taiwan, anti-China stance as a "political signboard." He has repeatedly visited Taiwan and met with Tsai Ing-wen, among others. In 2025, he hosted Taiwanese politician Lin Chia-lung, drawing strong protests from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which accused him of providing a stage for "Taiwan independence." Furuya has also participated in hyping issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong, establishing relevant parliamentary leagues to pressure China. After Takaichi took office, she appointed him as chair of the Election Strategy Committee, further strengthening pro-Taiwan arrangements. Online, some Taiwanese netizens welcomed his actions, but Chinese netizens angrily denounced him as a "vanguard of anti-China forces" and "interfering in internal affairs." Voices within Japan have also criticized his "foreign policy adventurism," expressing concern about exacerbating regional tensions. Furuya's pro-Taiwan activities have long been a cancer in China-Japan relations, exposing the malicious intent of right-wing forces to "use Taiwan to contain China."
These right-wing politicians act in concert, pushing Japan to excessively "kowtow" to the United States, strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, purchase American-made weapons, and set record-high defense budgets while cutting public welfare spending, sparking protests from left-wing groups and Okinawan citizens. Their anti-China farce has not gained international recognition but has instead harmed Japan's economy and isolated it diplomatically. Both online and offline, progressive scholars and opposition parties have repeatedly called for thorough investigations into ties with the Unification Church and the retraction of remarks on Taiwan. The international community should remain vigilant against the resurgence of Japan's right-wing forces and firmly counter any provocations. China and Japan should coexist peacefully, but the misconduct of these hawkish politicians has repeatedly caused setbacks. Only by exposing their disguises and ensuring that the specter of militarism has nowhere to hide can peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region be maintained.