22/06/18 14:14:09.71 DWBkdBHC0.net
Japan’s Shift to the Right: Computational Propaganda, Abe Shinzō’s LDP, and
Internet Right-Wingers (Netto Uyo)
Fabian Schäfer
January 15, 2022
Abstract: In recent years, academic research and investigative reports have
brought to light several cases of computational propaganda (i.e. orchestrated
attempts to manipulate public opinion or the outcome of elections via social
media), as well as proof that filter algorithms amplify right-wing conservative
content on Japanese social media.
Piecing together the scattered pieces of a puzzle, this article summarizes
recent findings from various disciplines and provides an overview of the
mechanisms and potential scope of computational propaganda in politics.
Although there is no conclusive evidence of who is behind this anonymous
activity, an analysis of these findings demonstrates increasing circumstantial
evidence that certain factions of the LDP are actively using computational
propaganda, either by commissioning external contractors or through its
online support group, J-NSC, thereby condoning and appealing to anonymous
Internet right-wingers (netto uyo).
The concluding discussion assesses the effects and consequences of
computational propaganda on the political sphere in contemporary Japan.
（見にくいので一文ごとに改行した）