Rights Make Might

This insightful book explores how global human rights movements have empowered minority groups in Japan, leading to significant social change and activism.

Since the late 1970s, Japan has witnessed an evolution in the activism of its three most prominent minority groups: the Ainu, the Koreans, and the Burakumin. Despite facing a challenging domestic political landscape, these groups have made significant strides in advocating for their rights. In Rights Make Might, Kiyoteru Tsutsui delves into the reasons behind this surge in activism, highlighting how global human rights movements have invigorated local social movements. Tsutsui's analysis reveals how international human rights concepts have reshaped the activists' perceptions of their status within Japanese society, leading them to seek new platforms for political engagement on a global stage.

The book chronicles the transformative influence of global human rights ideas and institutions, illustrating how they have altered public perceptions and political dynamics in Japan over time. As these minority groups leveraged global human rights frameworks, they not only advanced their own causes but also contributed to the broader human rights discourse beyond Japan's borders. This reciprocal relationship underscores the interconnectedness of local and international advocacy efforts.

Through a combination of interviews and archival research, Rights Make Might presents a comprehensive historical analysis of the interplay between international human rights and local political movements. It enhances our understanding of ethnoracial politics, social movements, and the role of human rights in shaping societal change in Japan. The book has been recognized for its contributions, winning the 2019 Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Book Award.