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War as Entertainment and Contents Tourism in Japan: Routledge Focus on Asia

Edward Bell

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Published in War As Entertainment And Contents Tourism In Japan (Routledge Focus On Asia)

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War is a tragic and destructive force that has shaped human history for centuries. In recent years, however, there has been a growing trend of commodifying war and turning it into a form of entertainment and tourism. This phenomenon is particularly evident in Japan, where a number of war-related tourist attractions have been developed in recent years.

This article explores the commodification of war in Japan and its transformation into a form of entertainment and tourism. It examines the historical roots of war-related tourism in Japan, the various forms it takes, and its implications for the preservation of war memory and the promotion of peace.

The roots of war-related tourism in Japan can be traced back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). During this time, Japan embarked on a program of rapid modernization and industrialization, and the government sought to create a sense of national identity and pride. One way it did this was by promoting the idea of Japan as a warrior nation with a glorious military history.

War as Entertainment and Contents Tourism in Japan (Routledge Focus on Asia)

by Susanna Heli

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This ideology was reflected in the development of a number of war memorials and museums, which were designed to commemorate Japan's victories in war and to glorify the Japanese military. These sites became popular tourist destinations, and they helped to create a sense of national pride and unity.

After World War II, Japan was occupied by the Allied Powers, and the government was forced to renounce its militaristic policies. However, the legacy of war-related tourism continued, and a number of new war memorials and museums were built in the postwar period.

Today, there are a number of different forms of war-related tourism in Japan. These include:

Battlefields: A number of battlefields from Japan's past wars have been preserved as tourist attractions. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the history of the battles that were fought there.
War memorials: Japan has a number of war memorials that commemorate the country's war dead. These memorials are often located in prominent locations, and they serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by Japanese soldiers in the past.
War museums: Japan has a number of war museums that tell the story of the country's military history. These museums often display artifacts from past wars, and they provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of war.
War reenactments: A number of war reenactments are held in Japan each year. These events allow visitors to experience what it was like to be a soldier in a past war.

The commodification of war in Japan has a number of implications for the preservation of war memory and the promotion of peace.

On the one hand, war-related tourism can help to raise awareness of the history of war and its devastating effects. By visiting war memorials and museums, people can learn about the sacrifices that have been made by soldiers in the past, and they can gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of war.

On the other hand, there is a risk that war-related tourism can glorify war and make it seem more exciting than it actually is. This is especially true of war reenactments, which can give visitors the impression that war is a game.

It is important to strike a balance between preserving the memory of war and preventing it from being glorified. War-related tourism can be a valuable tool for education and peace-building, but it is important to use it responsibly.

War-related tourism is a complex and controversial issue. There are a number of factors that need to be considered when developing and promoting war-related tourism, including the preservation of war memory, the promotion of peace, and the entertainment value of war.

By carefully considering these factors, it is possible to develop war-related tourism that is both educational and responsible. War-related tourism can help to raise awareness of the history of war and its devastating effects, and it can contribute to the promotion of peace.

War as Entertainment and Contents Tourism in Japan (Routledge Focus on Asia)

by Susanna Heli

4.6 out of 5