Tokyo, Japan – The highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” made its debut in Japan, the country where atomic bombs devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki nearly eight decades ago. The emotional reactions from Japanese audiences varied, reflecting the complex history surrounding the subject matter.
Survivor Toshiyuki Mimaki, who was only three years old when Hiroshima was bombed, expressed his fascination with J. Robert Oppenheimer, also known as “the father of the atomic bomb.” Mimaki, now the chairperson of a group representing bomb victims, shared his thoughts on the film and the absence of a depiction of the Hiroshima bombing scene that he was anticipating.
“Oppenheimer” delves into the life of Oppenheimer himself, rather than focusing on the events of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Its release in Japan, months after its debut in the U.S., was met with apprehension due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Former Hiroshima Mayor Takashi Hiraoka criticized the film for not adequately portraying the horrors of nuclear weapons from the perspective of Hiroshima. Despite this, some viewers praised the film, noting its depiction of Oppenheimer’s inner struggles.
The historical controversy surrounding the film was highlighted by a marketing phenomenon that blended “Barbie” with “Oppenheimer,” sparking backlash in Japan. Academic experts viewed the film as a reflection of American values and a departure from past sentiments regarding nuclear weapons.
The absence of an explicit anti-war message in the film disappointed some viewers, while others saw it as a sign of America’s evolving perspective on nuclear warfare. The discussion of whether Japan should offer its own perspective on the story of Oppenheimer arose, with director Takashi Yamazaki expressing interest in exploring that narrative in a future project.
Legal expert Hiroyuki Shinju pointed out Japan’s own wartime atrocities and the ongoing nuclear threat worldwide, urging for a deeper reflection on the use of nuclear weapons. He viewed “Oppenheimer” as a catalyst for discussions on humanity’s relationship with nuclear warfare, inviting introspection from both Japan and the global community.