Beached Whales: Examining Japan’s Rejection of an International Norm

Abstract Much of the analysis of international norms has focused on norm diffusion at the systemic level. This study argues that such analyses based on neorealism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism have two major shortcomings. One is that they pay much attention to successful cases of norm diffusion but neglect failed ones. The other is that they fail to examine the linkage between international norms and domestic structures in the processes of norm diffusion. By neglecting this linkage, systemic-level studies cannot clarify specific mechanisms and process through which international norms reach the domestic arena. This study stresses that domestic structures, in particular cultural and political structures, are the key factors allowing international norm diffusion at the domestic level. Analyzing Japan’s refusal to accept an anti-whaling norm, this paper argues that these domestic structures have served as filters to block the emergence and acceptance of the norm in Japan.