Oe’s book, “Hiroshima Notes,” is one of the most inspiring books I have read. Its emphasized theme is a poignant reflection by the author, who, having witnessed the aftermath of the atomic bombing, delves into the harrowing experiences of the hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors). The narrative confronts the intertwining of Cold War nationalism with the pursuit of nuclear armament, prompting a profound reevaluation of Japanese identity. The selfless dedication of physicians treating the hibakusha, coupled with the survivors’ own noble conduct, profoundly impacted the author, instigating a personal reassessment of his ethical compass. The text serves as a stark admonition against the perils of nationalistic fervor and nuclear proliferation, all the while championing the indomitable spirit of humanity and the imperative of peace. The resonance of Oe’s insights endures, echoing the universal call for nuclear disarmament.
Inextricably linked to the poignant reflections of “Hiroshima Notes,” Kenzaburo Oe’s subsequent work, “Okinawa Notes,” resonates with an equally profound disquietude as it interrogates the postwar fabric of Japanese society. Okinawa, perceived as a strategic vanguard for the United States’ nuclear force, has been ostracized and marginalized by the Japanese polity and populace alike. This geopolitical point has borne the brunt of incessant military strife, enduring the relentless onslaught of hostilities from the Korean to the Vietnam conflicts. The inhabitants of Okinawa have been ensnared in unyielding resistance against the presence of American military forces. Through a series of reflective visits to this beleaguered prefecture, the author penetrates the essence of the mainland’s moral compass, dissects the Japanese self-conception, and instigates a profound introspection of postwar democratic ideals.
Japanese Nobel Laureate Kenzaburo Oe on 70th Anniv. of US Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Az4Px2_3Kmc.html