ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role that martial arts took in the progressive militarisation of the Japanese society during the early Shōwa period (1926–1945). The role of martial arts would be instrumental in the spread of the imperial bushidō message, infusing the blended martial virtue-nation-emperor into the national Japanese we-identity and habitus (expressed in the notion of kokutai) of the new citizen/soldier. This understanding of martial arts was transmitted mainly through different governmental and civic organisations. The ‘Japanisation’ of Okinawan karate resulted in the split between Okinawan and Japanese groups.
