A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Conspiracy theories and the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan : The rise, radicalization, and fall (?) of YamatoQ-kai




AuthorsDemelius, Yoko; Szczepanska, Kamila

PublisherOxford University Press

Publication year2024

JournalSocial Science Japan Journal

Journal name in sourceSocial Science Japan Journal

Article numberjyae003

Volume27

Issue2

First page 149

Last page168

ISSN1369-1465

eISSN1468-2680

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1093/ssjj/jyae003

Web address https://doi.org/10.1093/ssjj/jyae003

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457216990


Abstract

This article investigates how conspiracy theories, spirituality, and resistance against pandemic-mitigation measures became intertwined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in Japan. Utilizing selected concepts from social movement theories (SMT), this case study-driven exploratory analysis focuses on the activities of YamatoQ-kai, a civil society organization that originated in a group of conspiracy-theory influencers and whose activities included the dissemination of an anti-immunization agenda. By analysing online posts on the organization’s homepage and journalistic reports on the organization, the article illuminates the underlying implications of the conspiracy theorists’ activism and demonstrates how the group adopted QAnon’s conspiracy rhetoric whilst taking a Japanized form. Second, it explains YamatoQ’s pivotal place amongst the Japanese societal actors espousing vaccine-hesitant attitudes. Finally, it shows how the group—as an unconventional case of conspirituality—created tangible experiences for followers and demonstrates the affective impact of group solidarity. In this way, the article’s findings contribute to closing the research gaps in scholarship on conspiracy theories, vaccine scepticism, and conspirituality.


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Last updated on 2025-28-02 at 11:40