Pacifism or Peace Movement?: Hiroshima Memory Debates and Political Compromises

• Published in: Journal of international and area studies Vol. 15; no. 1; pp. 61 - 78
• Main Author: Kim, Mikyoung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Institute of International Affairs Graduate School of International Studies Seoul National University 01.06.2008; School of International and Area Studies, Seoul National University; 국제학연구소
• Subjects: Atomic bombs; Bombings; Conservatism; Ethics; Ideology; Japan; Japanese culture; Memory; Museum exhibits; Nuclear Weapons; Pacifism; Peace movements; Peacetime; Politics; Studies; Victims; War; 정치외교학; Japan
• ISSN: 1226-8550; 2765-1800
• DOI: 10.23071/jias.2008.15.1.61

This paper explores the complicated workings of Japan's mnemonic praxis in its establishment of moral authority. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima was a decisive moment inaugurating Japan as the torch-bearer of pacifism. Given Japan's ideational multiplicity as the victim and the victimizer, its pacifist ideology needs further examinations in conceptual and empirical manifestations. This research situates the ambivalent amnesia and political compromises demonstrated during the renovation project of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum from 1985 until 1994. As for a nation yet to achieve meaningful reconciliation over the past with Asian neighbors, the political divide opens room for utilitarian considerations in its pacifist discourse. The Hiroshima experience suggests that Japan's pacifism can be a problematic representation given its selective mnemonic praxis and situational ethics. This paper argues that Japanese pacifism should be redefined as 'pacifist movement.' Pacifism is foundational ethics, whereas pacifist movement accommodates political contextualization.