Hibakusha Cinema: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the Nuclear Image in Japanese Film

Explores the cinematic representations of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japanese film. Examines how these films have shaped the collective memory and understanding of the bombings. Analyzes the aesthetic strategies and narrative techniques used by filmmakers to convey the experiences of hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors). Discusses the role of hibakusha cinema in promoting peace and nuclear disarmament. Features in-depth case studies of key films, including “Hiroshima” (1985), “Black Rain” (1989), and “Barefoot Gen” (1983). Draws on archival research, interviews with filmmakers and hibakusha, and close textual analysis. Provides a comprehensive overview of hibakusha cinema for scholars, students, and general readers. Contributes to the understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the atomic bombings.