Read more
This study provides a comprehensive institutional history of Japan's post-1945 army. It also analyzes representations of the military in popular culture, the place of soldiers in the formation of the country's postwar national identity, and the social and political impact of constitutional restrictions on the military.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction: Renouncing War, Struggling to Rearm, Creating the Ground Self-Defense Force, and Reimagining the Soldier
Chapter 2: Disarmament and the Voices of Dissent
Chapter 3: Hot- and Cold-Running Wars and a Changing Consensus, 1946-1950
Chapter 4: Old Iron and New Steel, 1950-1952
Chapter 5: The GSDF Organized, 1952-1960
Chapter 6: Sheathing the Blade, Polishing the Spirit: 1960-1976
Chapter 7: A Sword in the Storm, a Life-Giving Sword: Policy and Ground Truth, 1978-1995
Chapter 8: New Century, New Threats, New GSDF, 1996-2015
Chapter 9: Drawing Weapons: Reimagining the Soldier, 1945-2015
Chapter 10: Conclusion: A Sword Well Made
About the author
By David Hunter-Chester
Summary
This study provides a comprehensive institutional history of Japan’s post-1945 army. It also analyzes representations of the military in popular culture, the place of soldiers in the formation of the country’s postwar national identity, and the social and political impact of constitutional restrictions on the military.
