Japanese War Atrocities
March Planning Worksheet
A comprehensive analysis of primary source evidence documenting war crimes during World War II, including propaganda posters used to mobilize the Japanese population.
Evidence Selected
Primary source documentation of documented atrocities
Japanese forces systematically murdered Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers over a six-week period. Mass executions, burning, and burial alive were documented by international observers.
Conducted lethal experiments including vivisection without anesthesia, frostbite testing, plague infection, and biological warfare research on prisoners in Manchuria.
Over 10 million civilians from occupied territories forced into slave labor under brutal conditions in mines, factories, and military construction projects. Death rates exceeded 25%.
Women from Korea, China, Philippines, and Southeast Asia were systematically forced into sexual slavery for the Japanese military through deception and abduction.
76,000 Filipino and American POWs forced to march 65 miles in extreme heat. Prisoners beaten, bayoneted, and denied food and water. One in seven died.
Key Messages
Core themes our march will communicate to the world
The world must acknowledge and remember the atrocities committed during WWII to prevent future genocides and crimes against humanity. Silence enables repetition.
“Silence enables repetition”
Victims of war crimes deserve recognition, reparations, and official apologies from those responsible. Justice delayed is justice denied—survivors are dying without acknowledgment.
“Justice delayed is justice denied”
Teaching historical atrocities is essential for building a peaceful global society. Propaganda enabled these crimes; education prevents their recurrence.
“Propaganda enabled these crimes”
Visual Symbols
Icons and imagery representing our march
Eternal Flame
永遠の炎
Remembrance
A flame symbolizing remembrance for the lives lost and the burning need for justice that persists through generations. The flame cannot be extinguished until truth is acknowledged.
Broken Chains
壊れた鎖
Liberation
Represents the forced laborers and comfort women who were enslaved, and the ongoing fight for their freedom, dignity, and recognition in historical memory.
Crane of Peace
平和の鶴
Hope
The thousand paper cranes represent hope and healing. Inspired by Sadako Sasaki, they remind us that peace requires active remembrance and commitment to truth.
Japanese War Posters Analysis
Examining propaganda that enabled atrocities
Imperial Rising Sun
Military Recruitment Propaganda
大東亜共栄圏
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
Overview
This poster exemplifies the propaganda used to justify Japanese expansion across Asia. It portrayed imperialism as 'liberation' from Western colonialism while masking brutal occupation and exploitation of conquered peoples.
Historical Context
Created during the height of Japanese territorial expansion, this propaganda piece was distributed throughout occupied territories and the Japanese homeland to maintain support for the war effort.
Human Cost
Direct Casualties
3-10 million civilians killed in occupied territories
Indirect Impact
Millions displaced, enslaved, or subjected to experimentation
Propaganda Analysis
Key Messages Identified:
- Used imagery of a rising sun to symbolize Japanese divine destiny
- Depicted Asian nations 'unified' under Japanese leadership
- Concealed the reality of forced labor, mass executions, and resource extraction
- Weaponized cultural superiority narratives to dehumanize occupied populations
Techniques Used:
Appeal to Authority
Divine Emperor imagery legitimized expansion
Bandwagon Effect
Showed masses supporting the cause
Fear Tactics
Western powers portrayed as existential threat
Transfer
Sacred symbols applied to military conquest
Modern Relevance
Similar propaganda techniques are used today in nationalist movements worldwide, making media literacy essential for identifying manipulation.
Historical Impact
Millions mobilized for war
Sacred War Declaration
Anti-Western Propaganda
聖戦
Seisen - Holy War
Overview
Following Pearl Harbor, this propaganda framed the Pacific War as a 'holy war' against Western imperialism. It exploited legitimate grievances about racism while enabling Japan's own brutal colonial regime.
Historical Context
Released in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, this poster series was designed to unify Japanese society behind total war and frame the conflict as a righteous struggle for Asian liberation.
Human Cost
Direct Casualties
Over 20 million Chinese civilians killed during occupation
Indirect Impact
Comfort women system enslaved 200,000+ women
Propaganda Analysis
Key Messages Identified:
- Portrayed the Emperor as a divine figure leading a sacred mission
- Used anti-Western sentiment to unite the population behind total war
- Masked aggressive expansion as defensive necessity
- Created narrative of racial destiny that enabled wartime atrocities
Techniques Used:
Glittering Generalities
Words like 'holy' and 'sacred' evoked emotion without substance
Common Enemy
Western powers unified as a single threatening entity
Plain Folks
Ordinary citizens depicted as heroes of the cause
Card Stacking
Only showed Japanese victories and Allied atrocities
Modern Relevance
The 'holy war' framing continues to be used by extremist groups globally, demonstrating the enduring danger of religious nationalism.
Historical Impact
Justified total war mentality
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
— George Santayana