Read Japanese Literature
Atomic Bomb Literature
This episode is marked mature.
In this episode, we take a look at Japanese writing about the American bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that killed as many as 215,000 people in August 1945. We’ll start with the history of the atomic bomb, its use, and its effects on the hibakusha who survived. Then we’ll take a look at atomic bomb literature itself. Our focus text is "Masks of Whatchamacallit" by Kyoko Hayashi (follow the link to read for free), translated by Kyoko Selden.
CW: war, illness (historical and fictional), suicide (historical), forced abortion (fictional), emotional abuse (fictional)
Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.
Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)
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Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
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All content © 2024 Read Japanese Literature.
This episode is marked mature.
In this episode, we take a look at Japanese writing about the American bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that killed as many as 215,000 people in August 1945. We’ll start with the history of the atomic bomb, its use, and its effects on the hibakusha who survived. Then we’ll take a look at atomic bomb literature itself. Our focus text is "Masks of Whatchamacallit" by Kyoko Hayashi (follow the link to read for free), translated by Kyoko Selden.
CW: war, illness (historical and fictional), suicide (historical), forced abortion (fictional), emotional abuse (fictional)
Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.
Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)
Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2024 Read Japanese Literature.