Based on the premise that Japanese cultural nationalism has been and is a major cultural/historical force throughout the Asia Pacific this book has dual focus: Part 1 explores Japanese literature, philosophy, education, politics, diplomacy, music; Part 2 extends Japanese role to Asia Pacific at large. Part One explores significant and influential expressions of cultural nationalism in Japanese literature, philosophy, education, politics, diplomacy, music and popular culture. Part Two widens the focus to Asia Pacific at large and examines the role of Japanese cultural nationalist discourse in the island nation's relations with its regional neighbours, China being the main focus. Topics include Meiji racial theory, the varieties of Japanese imperialist ideology, nationalist attitudes towards China, Kyoto School Sinology, resistance to foreign yakozuna in sumo wrestling.