The Atomic Bomb in Japanese Cinema

Critical Essays

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Edited by Matthew Edwards

Type

Studies

Subject

Countries > Japan

Keywords

Japan, sociology, trauma

Publishing date

2015

Publisher

McFarland & Co

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 300 pages
7 x 10 inches (18 x 25.5 cm)

ISBN

978-0-7864-7912-2

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Book Presentation:
Seventy years after the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is still dealing with the effects of the bombings on the national psyche. From the Occupation Period to the present, Japanese cinema had offered a means of coming to terms with one of the most controversial events of the 20th century. From the monster movies Gojira (1954) and Mothra (1961) to experimental works like Go Shibata’s NN-891102 (1999), atomic bomb imagery features in all genres of Japanese film. This collection of new essays explores the cultural aftermath of the bombings and its expression in Japanese cinema. The contributors take on a number of complex issues, including the suffering of the survivors (hibakusha), the fear of future holocausts and the danger of nuclear warfare. Exclusive interviews with Go Shibata and critically acclaimed directors Roger Spottiswoode (Hiroshima) and Steven Okazaki (White Light/Black Rain) are included.

About the Author:
Matthew Edwards is a primary school teacher and freelance writer from Cirencester, England. He is the author or editor of numerous books on world cinema.

Press Reviews:
"A valuable contribution"—Steve Okazaki, Emmy award winning director
"A fascinating and enlightening read"— Ian and Dominic Higgins, film directors
"So incredibly honored to be a part of this wonderful collection of essays that explore the extensive collection of stories about the atomic bomb in popular cinema."—Steve Nguyen, film director
"A work of immense scholarship and devoted passion"—David Rothauser, director

See the publisher website: McFarland & Co