Title
The Victim as Hero: Ideologies of Peace and National Identity in Postwar Japan,Used
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This is the first systematic, historical inquiry into the emergence of 'victim consciousness' (higaisha ishiki) as an essential component of Japanese pacifist national identity after World War II. In his meticulously crafted narrative and analysis, the author reveals how postwar Japanese elites and American occupying authorities collaborated to structure the parameters of remembrance of the war, including the notion that the emperor and his people had been betrayed and duped by militarists. He goes on to explain the Japanese reliance on victim consciousness through a discussion of the banthebomb movement of the mid1950s, which raised the prominence of Hiroshima as an archetype of war victimhood and brought about the selective focus on Japanese war victimhood; the political strategies of three selfdefined war victim groups (Abomb victims, repatriates, and dispossessed landlords) to gain state compensation and hence valorization of their war victim experiences; shifting textbook narratives that reflected contemporary attitudes and structured future generations' understanding of the war; and three classic antiwar novels and films that contributed to the shaping of a 'sentimental humanism' that continues to leave a strong imprint on the collective Japanese conscience.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Victim as Hero'? A: The book provides a systematic historical inquiry into the emergence of 'victim consciousness' in Japan as a key aspect of pacifist national identity post-World War II.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Victim as Hero' is James J. Orr.
- Q: When was this book published? A: The book was published on April 1, 2001.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Victim as Hero' have? A: The book contains 280 pages.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: This is a used book in good condition.
- Q: What are some key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include the collaboration of postwar Japanese elites and American authorities, the notion of betrayal, and the emphasis on war victimhood through various political and cultural lenses.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'The Victim as Hero' is suitable for academic study, particularly for those interested in Japanese history, national identity, and pacifism.
- Q: What is 'victim consciousness' as described in the book? A: Victim consciousness refers to the idea that the Japanese people perceive themselves as victims due to the war, which shapes their national identity and pacifist movements.
- Q: Does the book discuss specific historical events or movements? A: Yes, it discusses specific events such as the ban-the-bomb movement in the 1950s and the experiences of various war victim groups seeking state compensation.