Bodies of Memory

More about the book

The book explores the complex relationship between Japan and the United States following World War II, highlighting Japan's struggle to reconcile its wartime experiences with a rapidly evolving national identity. Igarashi examines how societal forces attempted to suppress memories of loss and trauma, while popular culture emerged as a crucial medium for expressing these suppressed narratives. The author argues that cultural productions during the first twenty-five years postwar played a vital role in shaping Japan's understanding of its past and maintaining a sense of nationhood amidst devastation.