Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on special effects programs of the 1960s and 1970s, and examines how nuclear weapons and atomic power plants were depicted then, at a time when Japanese nuclear power plants started to generate electricity and at a period when nuclear weapons continue to pose a serious threat.

Paper long abstract:

In Japan, a great number of special effects programs were broadcast on TV in the 1960's and 1970's. In many of these programs, atomic power plants were often targeted by criminal organizations. In the meantime, many monsters created by H-bomb tests appeared on TV shows to challenge the heroes. It is well known that Godzilla was the origin of Japanese special effects programs, and had strong ties with H-bomb Tests. However, not many studies have mentioned that there had been other emblematic characters which had ties with H-bomb tests.

This paper focuses on special effects programs of the 1960s and 1970s, and examines how nuclear weapons and atomic power plants were depicted then, at a time when Japanese nuclear power plants started to generate electricity for industrial uses and when nuclear weapons continue to pose a serious threat. For example, in Kamen Rider, an enemy monster created by an H-bomb test appears, and in Himitsu Sentai Goranger, atomic power plants are targeted by criminal organizations. In addition, the report looks at why these descriptions were born with the relationships between the collective memory of atomic bombings and the atomic dream.

Needless to say, the special effects programs were made by adults, but they were made for children. The images for the nuclear issues were stereotyped because the stories had to be easy enough for children to understand. The messages presented through these TV programs were as follows. Atomic power plants were dangerous and they were to be targeted by criminal groups. However, crises were avoided most of the time. Even if these atomic power plants were destroyed, descriptions of radiation contamination would almost never exist. On the other hand, when these programs were to mention nuclear bomb tests in the past, the producers made up monsters as effects of radioactive pollution. As a result, these TV programs brought two different consequences. The programs supported the myth of nuclear-power safety and at the same time they reinforced the Japanese identity as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings.