右翼

• Reading: うよく
• Romaji: uyoku
• Kanji breakdown: 右 (u/migi) — right; 翼 (yoku) — wing
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.jo.kɯ/

Meaning

Right wing; right-wing; conservative. Used for nationalist or ultra-conservative political movements and individuals.

A noun that in Japanese carries stronger connotations than 右派, often specifically evoking ultranationalist groups (街宣車で活動する右翼団体 — right-wing groups operating with propaganda vans). In sports, 右翼 simply means right field/wing with no political nuance. Context is essential to determine which meaning is intended.

Examples

1. 戦後、日本では右翼団体の活動が活発化した時期があった。 After the war, there was a period in Japan when the activities of right-wing groups became more active.
2. 右翼的な主張が、若者の間でも支持を集めていると報じられている。 It is reported that right-wing claims are gaining support even among young people.
3. 右翼勢力と左翼勢力の対立が、街頭デモで激化した。 The confrontation between right-wing and left-wing forces intensified at street protests.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, nationalism, journalism

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 右 (u, right) and 翼 (yoku, wing). The metaphor of political wings comes from the French Estates-General of 1789, where conservatives sat to the king's right. Adopted into Japanese in the Meiji era.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal