It’s interesting to find out the history of giant monster films in Japan originated from their past with natural (earthquakes, tsunamis) or man-made disasters (war); you can even see it in modern Japanese media with a reoccurring theme of an ordinary protagonist (or in this case the city) up against extra-ordinary odds (Godzilla). It’s also interesting how there’s two sides to viewing these films, some people think that these films gives us an opportunity to reflect on past destructions and normalise the terrors caused with this fantasy; while others think its insensitive as those past terrors are horrific, and shouldn’t be talked (or presented) lightly; an example mentioned was when Westerners mimic the art form. Some Japanese find it offensive as Westerner’s haven’t felt the level of destruction that the Japanese have faced. Westerners, especially those in Europe, rarely face man-made destruction; they usually come out on top in most wars, so they only have to face natural destruction or controlled man-made destruction. However, Japan has faced everything from natural, controlled and uncontrolled man-made destruction. So that puts us into perspective of the destruction and disaster faced by Japan.
Brian, Cheng 3035929891
Could you elaborate on how westerners mimic the art form of Japanese disasters? If you meant the graphics by Murakami, he is actually Japanese but some still feel that his work has belittled the historical events. Be careful when you label people as Western/ Eastern as it may easily fall in binary. For example, Greece is also a place that suffers from earthquakes too.