Know Your Enemy: Japan

The film spans a historical period from the end of Japan's isolationist policies in the 1850s through its modernization during the Meiji Restoration, up until 1945, the year World War II ended for Japan. This era includes significant events like the opening of Japan to the West, the rise of imperial power, and Japan's aggressive expansion leading to wartime conditions.

The movie primarily depicts Japan as the central setting, focusing on its cultural and political landscape during the early to mid-20th century. It mentions other countries like the United States, Britain, and Russia in the context of war and geopolitics, highlighting Japan's imperial ambitions and religious sites like the Yasukuni Shrine. The film reflects on Japan's history, religion, and modernization, emphasizing its national identity and expansionist actions.

🛡️ Nationalism

The film explores the intense nationalism prevalent in Japan, grounded in religious and imperial devotion, particularly to Emperor Hirohito. It portrays how this nationalism was fostered by the state through propaganda, religious institutions, and cultural shifts, ultimately fueling expansionist and militaristic pursuits before and during World War II.

⚔️ Imperialism

A central theme of the film is Japan's imperialist ambitions, driven by warlords and political leaders who sought to expand Japanese influence across Asia and beyond. The narrative examines the military hierarchy, strategizing, and the ideological underpinnings that justified aggressive conquest during this period.