はだしのゲン「右翼が力を持ちだすと危険。軍国主義の暗い世の中に変わっていく」
The message from the manga "Barefoot Gen" - "It's dangerous when the far-right gains power; the world descends into a dark age of militarism" - is once again trending online.
This anti-war appeal, based on the atomic bomb experience of the late author Keiji Nakazawa, resonates deeply with many as a universal warning, especially when viewed against contemporary global events.
Vigorous online discussions are prompting people to reconsider their wishes for peace.
Related Keywords
Barefoot Gen
『Barefoot Gen』 is a deeply autobiographical manga by artist Keiji Nakazawa, based on his own experience as an atomic bomb survivor in Hiroshima. Serialized from 1973 and compiled into 10 volumes, it depicts protagonist Gen and his family's harrowing survival before and after the atomic bombing. The work's main themes are the tragedy brought by war and nuclear weapons, and the resilience and hope of people who resist them. Gen's father and other adults in the story question the militarism, nationalism, and power of the time, advocating for peace and human rights. The recently viral quote symbolizes this anti-war and anti-authority message that permeates the entire work. Translated and utilized in peace education both domestically and internationally, its universal message continues to impact many across generations. Even after Nakazawa's passing in 2012, his spirit lives on, making it a crucial work for contemplating the nature of peace and democracy in modern society.
Far-Right Ideology
Far-right ideology generally refers to a type of conservative political thought that values national tradition, culture, and order, often tending towards strong state power and nationalism. Historically, its origins lie in forces that criticized the French Revolution and advocated for maintaining the old regime, but its content varies by country and era. In Japan, far-right ideology developed in deep connection with the nationalism and imperial history view of the Meiji era, and the pre-war militarism. After WWII, it transformed into a conservative stance emphasizing anti-communism during the Cold War, valuing Japanese traditional culture and history, and advocating for strengthening the Self-Defense Forces and constitutional revision. However, in the context of "Barefoot Gen"'s warning that "it's dangerous when the far-right gains power," it specifically refers to exclusive nationalism, historical revisionism that glorifies the past, or authoritarian political stances that could suppress freedom of speech. Even today, with the spread of the internet, groups that strongly advocate specific historical and national views exist, and their words and actions are pointed out as factors that deepen societal division and conflict.
Militarism
Militarism refers to an ideology and system in which a nation's policies and social structure prioritize military affairs, and military values dominate society as a whole. Specifically, it involves investing a large portion of the national budget in military expansion, encouraging military training and cooperation with wartime systems for the entire population, emphasizing patriotism and self-sacrifice through education and media, and tending to suppress critical speech. Historically, it was particularly prominent in Japan, Germany, and Italy in the first half of the 20th century. In Japan's case, the "rich nation, strong army" policy after the Meiji Restoration formed its foundation, becoming the main national policy through the Manchurian Incident and the Sino-Japanese War until the end of World War II. During this era, individuals were deemed subservient to the collective and the state under the pretext of "for the Emperor" or "for the nation," leading to the loss of many lives. The tragedy of Hiroshima depicted in "Barefoot Gen" is precisely the ultimate outcome of war brought about by militaristic ideology, containing a deep reflection on that dark era and a strong warning that it must never be repeated. Militarism is considered one of the most dangerous ideologies that threaten peace and democracy, and its influence remains a subject of vigilance today.