What is it about?
This cross-disciplinary study explores the Kamikaze's self-representation in their own words . In the course of investigation into the young suicide bombers' un-censored letters a central theme emerges: the struggle for self-identity anchored in ‘home and family’ associated with frequent reference to ‘being and thinking’. A diversity of beliefs and backgrounds of the Tokkō-tai youth is uncovered.
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Why is it important?
This is the first empirical, evidence-based study of the discourse of Japanese WWII suicide bombers. The study discloses the young Kamikaze soldiers' inner world and self-identities expressed in their own words.
Perspectives
I interviewed a number of survivors of WWII on both sides of the front line as well as at the home front. Each personal story was unique and helped to broaden my perspectives on the issues of the Kamikaze identity. This article is the first of a series of reports on the making of the Kamikaze identity.
Dr Luli van der Does
Hiroshima University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Contested memories of the Kamikaze and the self-representations of Tokkō-tai youth in their missives home, Japan Forum, July 2015, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/09555803.2015.1045540.
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