World War II in Asia through Propaganda Films and ImagesMain MenuIntroductionCourse DescriptionJapanese Wartime IdeologyAmerican Wartime IdeologyJapanese Soldiers at WarAmerican and Allied Soldiers at WarAaron Moore76f4fac5cca4de4ad0948de18943f2048aa1f4e4
What do the Japanese think they are defending and fighting for?
Read: Imperial Rescript for Soldiers and Sailors (1882), translation from Imperial Precepts (undated) as cited in Tsunoda, et al. Sources of Japanese Tradition II (Columbia University Press, 1958): 198-200.
Assignment: Write a short 500-word essay on the following based on the above readings and film.
The film, The Story of Tank Commander Nishizumi, depicts one of the most well-known “military gods” (gunshin) or heroes of Japan’s war in China.
How does the film define what it is to be a Japanese military hero? In what ways does Commander Nishizumi represent the highest ideals of a Japanese soldier (as codified in the Field Service Code and Imperial Rescript to Soldiers)? What techniques and stylistic measures does the film use to inculcate these ideals?
