JAPANESE MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR THE DEAD OF WORLD WAR II AND PASSING ON LESSONS FROM HISTORY
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Abstract
Japanese memorial ceremony for the war dead is crucial and has been held for a long time according to Shinto beliefs that focus on spirits and sacred things. It is believed that spirits have the power to evolve into good and bad fortunes; spirit pacification can contribute to their family, society, and the nation. The memorial ceremony for the war dead is held to console the spirits, known as “Ireisai” (慰 霊 際). This article is to study that at present the “Memorial Ceremony for the Dead of World War II” especially those held in three prefectures of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, where there were a lot of deaths, and the central government, as well as the local authorities, has attached great importance to the annual memorial ceremonies, reflects the traditions, beliefs, and ideas about Japanese war. The results of the study reveal
that spiritual worship is an important belief in Japanese society. The “Memorial Ceremony for the Dead of World War II” of the three prefectures have been to show the continuation of traditions and beliefs that have been passed down in honoring and praying for spirits. Besides, Japan has used the ceremony and the peace park area as the places where the ceremony reflects Japanese ideas and experiences from World War II, pointing out the brutality of war and the destructive powers of the atomic bomb as a lesson and calling for the international community to recognize the dangers of war as well as work together toward the elimination of nuclear weapons for lasting world peace and happiness.
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