CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2025
| Author | Nishida, Eri |
|---|---|
| Title | Diversity and Nationalism in History Education: A Case Study of Textbook Descriptions of Controversial Historical Events in Japan |
| Summary | This study uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the relationship between nationalism and history education in modern Japan, conducting a detailed comparative analysis of textbook descriptions of controversial historical events. Chapters dealing with Japan's relations with Asian countries from the First Sino-Japanese War to the end of the Pacific War were examined to clarify the historical perspectives, ideologies and nationalistic aspects embedded in each textbook. The analysis revealed that, although all textbooks exhibit elements of 'purificationism' and 'patriotism' within a nationalistic framework, there are significant variations in the portrayal of 'exclusivism'. Mainstream textbooks provide relatively frank and detailed descriptions of the negative aspects of Japan's imperialist actions, social inequality, the horrors of war and diverse group perspectives, shedding light on power and inequality. In contrast, textbooks promoting a nationalistic view emphasise Japan's efforts to defend itself and pursue its national goals in a harsh international environment and the unity of its people during the war. By avoiding references to specific acts of aggression, such as the Nanjing Massacre, these textbooks tend to belittle Japan's responsibility as a perpetrator and suggest that its actions were justified or inevitable. This study demonstrated that the vocabulary choice, focus and deliberate omissions in textbooks affect the types of nationalistic messages conveyed to students and the degree to which they promote critical thinking. This highlights the challenges and importance of history education in modern Japan. |
| Supervisor | Miller, Michael Laurence |
| Department | Nationalism Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2025/nishida_eri.pdf |
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