Remembering the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Collective memory of post-war Japan

Post-war Japan's collective memory of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been significantly shaped by government-led narratives, reinforcing victim consciousness over reconciliation. This study reveals how Tokyo strategically integrated A-bomb memories into national identity through symbolic means, analyzing peace parks, memorials, and news coverage from two major daily newspapers on memorial days. The findings demonstrate that the nation's memory is guided predominantly by state-driven efforts rather than collective reflection or overcoming the past.

Okuda, H. (2011). Remembering the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Collective memory of post-war Japan. Acta Orientalia Vilnensia, 12(1), 11–28. https://doi.org/10.15388/aov.2011.0.1094