Comment on “Words Reduced to Consumption: Liberals’ Reliance on ‘Justice’ and the Loss of Individuality — Tomoyuki Hoshino” [in Japanese]
On August 27, 2024, a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) on the Asahi Shimbun article, “Words Reduced to Consumption: Liberals’ Reliance on ‘Justice’ and the Loss of Individuality — Tomoyuki Hoshino.” was published. The article features writer Tomoyuki Hoshino’s reflections on the current state of public discourse, based on his 2013 essay “Japan as a Religious State,” previously published in the Asahi Shimbun. Mr. Hoshino argues that social divisions have deepened, and that language is no longer used as a tool for dialogue but rather consumed within echo chambers of shared values, often weaponized to attack those with differing views. Professor Ichihara commented that instead of tailoring one’s opinions to meet others’ expectations, it may be more constructive to adjust the message to the audience and what one wishes to convey. She suggested that this approach could foster more authentic and meaningful communication.
