
In The Long Defeat, Akiko Hashimoto explores the stakes of war memory in Japan after its catastrophic defeat in World War II, showing how and why defeat has become an indelible part of national collective life, especially in recent decades. Divisive war memories lie at the root of the contentious politics surrounding Japan's pacifist constitution and remilitarization, and fuel the escalating frictions in East Asia known collectively as Japan's "history problem." Drawing on ethnography, interviews, and a wealth of popular memory data, this book identifies three preoccupations - national belonging, healing, and justice - in Japan's discourses of defeat. Hashimoto uncovers the key war memory narratives that are shaping Japan's choices - nationalism, pacifism, or reconciliation - for addressing the rising international tensions and finally overcoming its dark history.
This book investigates how the memory of defeat in World War II continues to shape Japan's national identity, political landscape, and international relations. Akiko Hashimoto, a sociologist specializing in Japanese culture, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the enduring impact of the 1945 surrender. By examining public discourse, media, and personal narratives, she argues that the unresolved trauma of the war remains a central pillar in the ongoing debate over Japan's pacifist constitution and its role in East Asian geopolitics.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and regional experts frequently cite this work as a critical resource for understanding the internal psychological and political mechanisms of post-war Japan. Readers often note the academic rigor and the clarity with which the author navigates complex, sensitive historical debates.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
2015-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190239182
ISBN-13:
9780190239183
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