Abstract
Following the Second World War, Japan faced the immense challenge of redefining itself as a democratic and globally engaged nation-state after its failed imperial expansion and descent into fascism. As the country struggled with reconstruction and recovery, an unexpected crisis emerged—a methamphetamine epidemic. This thesis examines how Japan’s initial response to the methamphetamine epidemic hindered its post-war recovery, disrupting public order, fueling mass social anxiety, and challenging the government’s ability to foster stability and progress. However, through gradual trial and error, decisive government action, the galvanization of public-led initiatives, and a restructured and centralized approach to public health and law enforcement, Japan eventually overcame this crisis. By analyzing these efforts, this paper argues that Japan’s handling of the epidemic became a nation-building initiative in itself. This investigation finds that Japan's ability to adapt and implement effective solutions to the methamphetamine epidemic demonstrated its resilience and capacity for good governance, helping it redefine itself as a new nation-state. At first, the crisis slowed down reconstruction at a crucial time in Japan's postwar transformation.
Advisor
Ng, Margaret Wee-Siang
Department
History
Recommended Citation
Fleming, Jack, "Meth, Rape, and State: Japan's Postwar Nation-Building" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11598.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11598
Keywords
Methamphetamine, Hiropon, Epidemic, Nation, Japan, Stimulants
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Jack Fleming