Adolescents in Japan Seldom Discuss the Second World War
A recent survey conducted by The Nippon Foundation in mid-June 2025, aimed at understanding the views of Japanese youth aged 17 to 19 regarding World War II, has revealed some fascinating insights.
The survey, which polled 1,000 young people, found that two-thirds of the respondents found school lessons about World War II to be memorable. This suggests a strong interest and engagement among the youth in understanding the historical events that shaped their nation.
However, when it comes to personal discussions about the war, the findings were somewhat different. Over 70% of the respondents have almost never discussed World War II with family or friends, and just over 10% said they talk about the war around once a year. This could indicate a lack of opportunities for open discussions about the war within their social circles.
First-hand stories from those who experienced the war were scarce, with fewer than 30% of the respondents having heard a story directly from a grandparent or great-grandparent. The most common situations for hearing such stories were cases where speakers came to schools or museums/memorial halls.
The survey also revealed some influential works that have left a lasting impression on the young respondents. Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl was mentioned by many, as was the film The Pianist. The manga Barefoot Gen, a poignant account of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima by its author, Nakazawa Keiji, was mentioned by 20% of the respondents. Saitō Ren's children's book Zō no inai dōbutsuen (The Zoo Without Elephants) was another influential work that was often cited.
Perhaps most significantly, over 40% of respondents mentioned the Studio Ghibli anime Grave of the Fireflies as the book or film about the war that left the strongest impression. This suggests a deep emotional connection to the story, which deals with the hardships faced by children during wartime.
In conclusion, while discussions about World War II may be relatively rare among Japanese youth, the survey indicates a strong interest in learning about the war, with school lessons and influential works playing a significant role in shaping their perspectives. However, due to the lack of first-hand stories, it remains to be seen how these perspectives will evolve as more personal accounts become available.
- The general news outlets might consider featuring more personal stories from World War II survivors, as they remain scarce among Japanese youth and could provide valuable insights for better understanding the war's impact.
- Despite relatively less conversation about war-and-conflicts in personal circles, the influence of certain works, such as Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies, indicate a strong emotional connection among Japanese youth towards understanding and remembering World War II, as evidenced in the survey findings.
