Abstract
This study aims to analyze the restoration of peasants’ autonomy in the face of evolving neo-liberal globalization. Particularly, the paper examines the concepts of repeasantization and new peasantries based on the framework of Jan Douwe van der Ploeg. The declining autonomy of the peasants due to neo-liberal globalization has led to a multitude of challenges in agriculture and rural communities. Repeasantization and new peasantries can be considered effective strategies for reinstating the autonomy of the peasants. The paper highlights the limited interest of agricultural economists in Japan regarding peasant studies, despite the accumulation of previous studies on the subject. Contrarily, peasant studies have developed substantially worldwide, especially in Europe, focusing on repeasantization and the emergence of new peasantries. Furthermore, the paper explores the changing dynamics of globalization, which encompass the elements of neo-liberalism, regionalization, populist-type protectionism, anti-globalization movements by NGOs/CSOs and localization and examine their relation to the peasantsʼ position in the global scenario. Lastly, the paper discusses the applicability of such a framework to Japan and concludes that repeasantization can serve as a crucial catalyst for transforming Japanʼs struggling agriculture sector.
