Article published In: Language and Dialogue
Vol. 15:2 (2025) ► pp.205–231
Beyond acceptable criticism
Assessing Japanese politicians’ debasing rhetoric
Published online: 25 October 2024
https://doi.org/10.1075/ld.00184.fel
https://doi.org/10.1075/ld.00184.fel
Abstract
This paper utilizes the concept of debasement to examine politicians’ rhetoric in Japan. It focuses on 3,233
questions posed by opposition party members to Cabinet ministers during the 2023 meetings of the Budget Committee in both houses
of the National Diet. The analysis identifies debasement comments, examining the linkage between the use of such language and a
list of socio-political variables, including ideological orientation, differences in electoral systems, and previous career
occupation. From a cross-cultural perspective, abusive rhetoric in Japan might not seem to be an extreme phenomenon, but because
of cultural factors even the use of “mild” invective language indicates a clear intention of politicians to debase the reputation
of their counterparts in the parliament.
Keywords: debasement, rhetorical devices, Japan, parliamentary discourse, culture
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Political debasement
- 2.1Elements of debasement: Subtlety in the culture of Japanese discourse
- 3.Methodology
- 3.1Procedure
- 3.2Distinguishing between criticism and debasement
- 3.3Debasement expressions towards individual cabinet members
- 3.4Debasement expressions towards the government and the ruling coalition
- 4.Results and discussion
- 5.Conclusions
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
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