Just from the article’s title “Oh No, There Goes Tokyo” we can understand Tsutsui’s view on the destruction of Tokyo in science-fiction movies. Tsutsui agrees with the many Japanese filmmakers who take on the genre in a playful and humorous way. Japan’s traumatic history: atomic bombings and natural disasters prompted the creation of many fantastical creatures in the science fiction genre. Such creatures have a dual function: it serves as a therapeutic way for filmmakers to understand and confront their own fears, whilst also being a source of comfort for filmgoers who relate to such anxieties. Tsutsui mentions the concept of “secure horror” which refers to the enjoyment of horror movies as a way to experience fear and excitement without real danger. So it is no surprise that the science fiction genre is so widely loved in Japan. The author does give praise to this creative way of dealing with and processing the collective trauma of the country. The genre takes away the severity of the incidents for the sake of easy confrontation but is still capable of acting as a medium to inform and educate audiences on Japan’s history.
Yanisha Chung Yan YU 3035977733