Norsk Medietidsskrift (Jan 2011)
Fiender i verdensrommet og andre framstillinger av krig i japansk populærfilm
Abstract
For decades, Japanese animation (anime) has been suffused with images of apocalypse and attacks by alien invaders. This article explores the relationship between these popular films and Japans experiences during the final phase of the Second World War. What images of war, the article asks, does Japanese animation create? Dont these films run the risk of casting Japan solely in the role of victim of war, and of overlooking its role as principal perpetrator? Or perhaps anime provides a forum where the complicated relationship between the dual roles of victim and aggressor can be addressed?