WWII Memory and Japanese Film

[Mark Nornes]

This is just a lazy impression, but do you think WWII is fading from  
Japanese cinema?

This came to mind in the wake of the US presidential election. Talk of  
WWII was markedly absent, and the gestures to Vietnam heroism rang  
hollow—empty, automatic gestures and little more. This is the second  
"war hero" to lose an election after Kerry in 2004.

Surely, WWII remains a hot topic in Japan. Look at the reception of  
Yasukuni. But I'm talking in a more general sense. Is the war the  
cinematic touchstone it once was? Particularly in the feature film?

Markus