This documentary was made by the U. S. War Department as a training film for American forces who would be serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Frank Capra was the head of the film unit that made it at the time. "Know Your Enemy - Japan" has some historical value as an example of good propaganda but poorly done. This film runs 63 minutes. It was made to inform American GIs about Japan and its people, culture, etc. It was released Aug. 9, 1945. Just five days later, Japan would announce its surrender, which was then formalized on Sept. 2, 1945.
I agree with the criticism of the film's apparent slant. The narrator's tone and comments in places are derogatory. Propaganda should give information truthfully and without ethnic slurs. That said, this film gave interesting - and accurate - information about Japan. Its history, people and culture of the last two centuries would help Americans understand the why and how of Japan's drive for conquest.
One can see some clear similarities between Japan and Germany in exciting fervor for war among many of their people. When a nation is clearly an aggressor, it must have strong public support to sustain war. The two Axis countries were adept in their own use of propaganda. Parades, military shows, films, and media support were used to arouse the people. And, much of their propaganda had fabricated wild stories and lies about the U. S. and Americans. That led to prolonged and unnecessary holdout fighting when their defeat was eminent.. The worst tragedy of that was the loss of many more Japanese lives. Many, including women and children committed suicide when American forces took islands that had been held by the Japanese.
An excellent movie, "Hell to Eternity" explores this matter, and is based on a true story. Jeffrey Hunter plays a Chicano American, Guy Gabaldon, who was raised by a Japanese-American family. He is serving in the Pacific, and after the U. S. captured Saipan in July 1944, many Japanese civilians began jumping off cliffs to their death. Gabaldon prevented many suicides and saved hundreds of lives. He spoke Japanese and assured the people and soldiers yet in hiding, that they would be well treated.
This documentary has several news film clips taken in Japan before and during the war. They show masses of people being rallied for support of Japan's efforts. The similarity to Nazi Germany is uncanny. One also can see how the nationalistic rallies in this film could lead so many Japanese soldiers to think lowly of other people. No doubt, that affected their disdain for their enemies and their ability to treat prisoners so brutally, including civilian women and children.
This documentary was a bonus on the DVD I obtained of John Ford's "December 7th: The Movie."
I agree with the criticism of the film's apparent slant. The narrator's tone and comments in places are derogatory. Propaganda should give information truthfully and without ethnic slurs. That said, this film gave interesting - and accurate - information about Japan. Its history, people and culture of the last two centuries would help Americans understand the why and how of Japan's drive for conquest.
One can see some clear similarities between Japan and Germany in exciting fervor for war among many of their people. When a nation is clearly an aggressor, it must have strong public support to sustain war. The two Axis countries were adept in their own use of propaganda. Parades, military shows, films, and media support were used to arouse the people. And, much of their propaganda had fabricated wild stories and lies about the U. S. and Americans. That led to prolonged and unnecessary holdout fighting when their defeat was eminent.. The worst tragedy of that was the loss of many more Japanese lives. Many, including women and children committed suicide when American forces took islands that had been held by the Japanese.
An excellent movie, "Hell to Eternity" explores this matter, and is based on a true story. Jeffrey Hunter plays a Chicano American, Guy Gabaldon, who was raised by a Japanese-American family. He is serving in the Pacific, and after the U. S. captured Saipan in July 1944, many Japanese civilians began jumping off cliffs to their death. Gabaldon prevented many suicides and saved hundreds of lives. He spoke Japanese and assured the people and soldiers yet in hiding, that they would be well treated.
This documentary has several news film clips taken in Japan before and during the war. They show masses of people being rallied for support of Japan's efforts. The similarity to Nazi Germany is uncanny. One also can see how the nationalistic rallies in this film could lead so many Japanese soldiers to think lowly of other people. No doubt, that affected their disdain for their enemies and their ability to treat prisoners so brutally, including civilian women and children.
This documentary was a bonus on the DVD I obtained of John Ford's "December 7th: The Movie."