Editor's Note: Over 400 days have passed since the first Summit for Democracy in the U.S. However, the U.S. and its allies have not given the world a good impression of democracy in this period. CGTN presents a series of data pictures to showcase the reality of  "Western democracy," and we hope to encourage critical reflection on it around the world. The third picture "Japan at a critical crossroads: Parochial nationalism or democracy?" depicts Japan at a critical juncture, facing challenges ranging from political scandals and unpopular policies to nuclear contamination and ongoing tensions over U.S. military bases.

Japan's future now hangs in the balance. From Fukushima to political scandals, challenges are mounting. Will it embrace democracy or succumb to parochial nationalism? What path will Japan choose?

(Graphics designed by Li Jingjie, Zhu Zhangfan)

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