My Japan

by U.S. Treasury Department · 1945

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This video, titled "My Japan," is a complex and disturbing anti-Japanese propaganda film from the early 20th century, produced to encourage the sale of U.S. war bonds. The film portrays Japan as a land of beauty and resilience, emphasizing its cultural and emotional depth. It challenges viewers' preconceived notions of the Japanese people, asserting that their spirit cannot be broken by bombing or deprivation. The speaker argues that the enemy's strategy of outworking or outfighting is misguided, pointing out that Japanese workers work longer hours and are motivated by a sense of duty rather than profit. Despite highlighting heavy losses in battles like Tarawa, the speaker downplays these as mere "outposts" in the broader context of the war. The video emphasizes the vast numbers and determination of Japanese forces to defeat the opponent, while also boasting about the beauty and vastness of Japan. It warns of impending conflict and the ease of invasion, suggesting that the viewer's dreams of victory are naive and unprepared. Content advisory: Explicit racism and extreme violence.