This paper will explore Japan's fascism but always keeping in mind that it was a movement linked very strongly to Japanese history and beliefs. It was far more than something political and therefore it was "not a simple matter". There are a number of texts which will be used in this analysis. One of the most important is Mishima's Runaway Horses. Mishima wrote a great deal and is considered by many people to be one of the most important writers of Japan's twentieth century. Mishima studied law as did the main character in Runaway Horses, Shigekuni Honda. Mishima was also a homosexual and this was revealed in his book, Confessions of a Mask. 9 pgs. 14 f/c. 6b.