E. V. MOLODYAKOVA Doctor of Historical Sciences Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Keywords: Japan, Toru Hashimoto, Osaka Regional Revival Party, "Osaka Metropolis", Japan National Revival Party, Osaka referendum, new Osaka Revival Party Our time is characterized by the transformation of long-established conservative parties in Europe and the United States and the emergence of new populist conservative parties. Some conservatives, such as the German CDU/CSU, hold leading positions in the politics of their countries, while others, such as the British Conservative Party, are under strong pressure from other parties and have lost part of the electorate to them. In the United States, the Republican Party has significantly strengthened its position by including the right-wing populist movement "Tea Party"in its ranks. Japan, along with Germany, is an example of a country where conservative parties and governments have achieved indisputable socio-economic success. As a result, the majority of voters do not see the point in changing their electoral preferences, even if they are not completely settled.- page 26 some neoliberal attitudes prevail. However, right-wing conservative populist parties are also forming there. THE EXTRAORDINARY APPEARANCE OF THE JAPANESE RIGHT-WING POPULIST PARTY In general terms, populism can be defined as a political practice that appeals to the interests and values of "ordinary people". Populist politicians tend to offer simple solutions to complex problems in accessible language. The vagueness of the "welfare state" image and subsequent disillusionment with its ideas, as well as the widespread acceptance of neoliberalism, have blurred the distinction between traditional liberal and conservative programs. In order to attract voters, political parties are increasingly resorting to negative rhetoric, attacking elites or the privileges of certain groups, in particular trade unions. Former Prime Ministers Junichiro Koizu ... Читать далее