Memories of World War II in Japanese manga
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2025-4-58-70
Abstract
The article examines the World War II representation in the Japanese manga discourse. The author considers manga as culturally significant objects of historical memory, illustrating the attitude, over the last several decades, of the Japanese society to the outcomes of World War II. The chronological framework of the study deals with the Japanese comics released from 2001 to 2024. This period was chosen as a turning point in the history of the relationship between the USA and Japan and in the rethinking in the popular culture of both states of the World War II consequences. The paper employs the method of discourse analysis, through which a repertoire of meanings is derived from the texts on World War II. The study examines several discourses relevant to the contemporary Japanese society. In the end, the author concludes that Japanese manga illustrate the Japanese society’s “journey” from trauma to triumph.
About the Author
E. V. Argunov
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Egor V. Argunov, postgraduate student
6-6, Miusskaya Sq., Moscow, 125047
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Review
For citations:
Argunov E.V. Memories of World War II in Japanese manga. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2025;(4):58-70. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2025-4-58-70
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