著者

水出 幸輝

出版者

日本マス・コミュニケーション学会

雑誌

マス・コミュニケーション研究 (ISSN:13411306)

巻号頁・発行日

no.88, pp.157-175, 2016-01-31

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This study aims to reveal the reconstructive process of the national collective memory of the Great Kanto Earthquake (Kanto Daishinsai) by analyzing anniversary editorials in the following Japanese Newspapers: Tokyo Asahi Shinbun, Osaka Asahi Shinbun, Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun, Osaka Mainichi Shinbun, Yomiuri Shinbun (1924-1959) and Cyunichi Shinbun, Asahi Shinbun, Mainichi Shinbun, Yomiuri Shinbun (1960-2014). The study considers the quantitative and qualitative changes in these editorials' discourse. In modern times, the Great Kanto Earthquake is a part of the collective memory of Japanese citizens, and also because of the disaster prevention drills conducted as "Disaster Preparedness Day" (Bosai no Hi) on September 1st-the anniversary of the Earthquake ("Shinsai Kinenbi"). However, "Disaster Prevention Day" was also enacted in the year 1960 due to the Ise Bay Typhoon (Isewan Taifu) of 1959. This study revealed that the "Earthquake anniversary" was well documented for several years, but after the tenth year anniversary it was hardly mentioned in the editorials. Additionally, it was recognized that the anniversary had not been in the national collective memory but within local memory. In contrast, since "Disaster Prevention Day" was enacted in 1960, the memory of the earthquake was reconstructed the national collective memory, as can be seen by an increase in the number of articles on the earthquake in the anniversary editorials. National newspapers used the Great Kanto Earthquake to set the agenda for "Disaster Prevention Day." A close relationship can be seen between the Great Kanto Earthquake and "Disaster Prevention Day." That day reminded the people about the Great Kanto Earthquake, whilst the Ise Bay Typhoon was neglected in anniversary editorials. Accordingly, it could be said that the national collective memory of the Great Kanto Earthquake is founded on the forgetting of the Ise Bay Typhoon.