Tsutsui talked about the reasons why the Japanese are keen on disaster films. The mainstream view is that they reflect the Nation’s fear and post-disaster trauma of frequent natural (earthquake, tsunami) and man-made disasters (war, nuclear bombs) in its history (the creation of Godzilla is a straightforward metaphor for Japan’s fear of nuclear bomb). At the same time, the entertaining expression of monsters and fantasy elements in the films can also be recognized as a distraction from people’s anxiety and wounds about reality.
The ending of Japanese disaster films often demonstrates certain optimism –monsters are knocked down and damaged cities are rebuilt. This can also be explained by the Japanese’s confidence in the healing of historical tragedies and the revitalization of their homes–although this may be due to commercial considerations in response to public expectations.
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Clear summary. There are different views toward apocalyptic films in Japan. While they instill hope and optimism, some also criticize that they are demonstrating historical amnesia. Which thought are you more inclined to and why?