Yasukuni and Hiroshima in Clash? War and Peace Museums in Contemporary Japan

Two prominent Japanese museums—Yūshūkan and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—present starkly contrasting narratives about World War II, shaping collective memory and national identity. While Yūshūkan emphasizes honor and remembrance of war dead, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial focuses on peace and the devastation of atomic bombing. Both museums evoke emotional connections through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, yet they share a notable omission: neither addresses Japan's colonial past in Asia, which may influence younger generations' historical understanding. This study reveals how these institutions, despite their differences, are embedded in broader national debates on war and peace, highlighting the complexities of historical reconciliation in East Asia.

Lee, J. (2018). Yasukuni and Hiroshima in Clash? War and Peace Museums in Contemporary Japan. Pacific Focus, 33(1), 5–33. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/pafo.12109