Tokyo, Japan – The long-awaited premiere of “Oppenheimer” in Japan sparked mixed and emotional reactions among filmgoers, particularly those with a connection to the devastating history of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Toshiyuki Mimaki, a survivor of the bombing in Hiroshima, expressed his fascination with J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” for his role in the Manhattan Project.
Mimaki, now the chairperson of a group representing bomb victims, watched the film with anticipation, hoping to see a portrayal of the tragic events that unfolded in Hiroshima, but found the focus to be more on Oppenheimer’s personal struggles rather than the direct depiction of the bombings. The film’s release in Japan, months after its debut in the U.S., brought about a sense of trepidation due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
Former Hiroshima Mayor, Takashi Hiraoka, expressed criticism for the film, feeling that it did not adequately capture the horror of nuclear weapons from Hiroshima’s perspective. However, some moviegoers found the film to be engaging and thought-provoking, with scenes depicting Oppenheimer’s internal conflict resonating with them.
The historical controversy surrounding the film was further fueled by a marketing phenomenon that merged the iconic Barbie doll with the intense subject matter of Oppenheimer. Despite differing opinions on the film’s portrayal, Kazuhiro Maeshima, a professor specializing in U.S. politics, viewed the movie as an expression of evolving American conscience towards nuclear weapons.
As discussions on the legitimacy of nuclear weapons use and reflections on war continue, there is a growing interest in a potential Japanese response to the story depicted in “Oppenheimer.” Filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki expressed a desire to create a Japanese counterpart to the film, suggesting a need for a different perspective on the historical events surrounding the atomic bombings.
With ongoing global concerns over nuclear threats and the impact of wartime atrocities, the film “Oppenheimer” serves as a catalyst for discussions on humanity’s reflections on nuclear weapons and war. The movie has sparked conversations in Japan about the historical significance of the use of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, prompting a deeper exploration of the ethical and moral implications of such actions.