Showa 1939-1944: A History of Japan

Shigeru Mizuki's Showa 1939-1944: A History of Japan covers the devastation of the Sino-Japanese War and the first few years of the Pacific War, detailing Japan's brutal military expansion into Southeast Asia and elsewhere. It also marks a dramatic transformation in Mizuki's life, as he is conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army and struggles for survival on the island of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 536 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

Shigeru Mizuki, an internationally renowned cartoonist and reluctant war veteran, delves into Japan's involvement in World War II in his book Showa 1939-1944: A History of Japan. This captivating volume, part of Mizuki's historical and autobiographical account of Japanese life in the twentieth century, spans from the devastation of the Sino-Japanese War to the initial years of the Pacific War. It serves as a chilling reminder of the harsh realities of life in Japan during this turbulent era.

Pivotal events, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, are reevaluated within the broader context of Japan's aggressive military expansion into Southeast Asia and other regions. The impact of these events on the unseen Japanese populace is brought to the forefront.

On a personal level, these years witness a significant transformation in Mizuki's life. Conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army against his will, he finds himself on the tiny island of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. There, he faces a relentless struggle for survival, not only against Allied forces but also against the harsh discipline of his commanding officers. It is during this time that Mizuki experiences the profound misery and beauty of the island, a place that will leave an indelible mark on him for the rest of his life.

Mizuki's experiences on Rabaul serve as a poignant testament to the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. His book offers a unique perspective on Japan's involvement in World War II, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the conflict and providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of that period.

Weight: 1042g
Dimension: 165 x 222 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770466265