Hiroshima (ひろしま, 1953) is a stark docudrama that blends reenactments and real survivors to depict the atomic bombing’s human toll. Commissioned by the Japan Teachers’ Union, the film focuses on the suffering of schoolchildren and civilians, exposing the physical and psychological aftermath of the bombing. It critiques both American nuclear policy and Japan’s wartime leadership, offering a powerful anti-war statement. Long suppressed for its graphic realism and political stance, Hiroshima stands as a searing reminder of nuclear devastation and postwar trauma.

Hideo Sekigawa (1908-1977) was a politically engaged Japanese film director active in the postwar era, known for his leftist affiliations and commitment to social realism. A former member of Toho’s documentary division and associated with the Japanese Communist Party, he used cinema to critique militarism, state violence, and social inequality. His most notable works include Hiroshima (1953), a searing depiction of atomic bomb survivors and Listen to the Voices of the Sea (1950), a pacifist drama based on soldiers’ wartime letters.

 

Do you love Japanese film classics, anime or contemporary cinema stories? Do you miss Japan and want to see it at least on screen? Would you like to learn and discuss about Japanese culture and society? The Japan Society Film Club is an online space to chat about films and Japan in an informal atmosphere. It take place on the first Wednesday of the month. We recommend a film to watch in advance and meet online to discuss. Films are often available online for free, to rent or with subscription, on DVD/Blu Ray or on BFI player. The event is open to all and we encourage participants to freely express their opinions and feelings about the films.

 

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk.