Associate Professor of Japanese Kyoko Omori authored the lead essay, titled "Mystery" (Misuteri), in the volume The Diversity of Occupation Period Literature (Senyo-ki bungaku no tamen-sei), published by Iwanami Shoten in Tokyo.
When World War II ended in 1945, one of the goals of the American-led Allied Occupation was to promote American-style democracy in Japan. In the spirit of freedom of speech, the Allied Powers abolished wartime censorship by the militaristic Japanese government. Ironically, however, with the implementation of strict regulations, educational programs and censorship systems, the Allied Powers controlled information related to the Allied Powers and/or anti-Allied Powers opinions.
In that context, an examination of Japanese mystery stories, as well as the editorial directions of mystery magazines, helps readers understand the political, social and cultural stakes that the writers and publishers navigated during this period in recent Japanese history.
When World War II ended in 1945, one of the goals of the American-led Allied Occupation was to promote American-style democracy in Japan. In the spirit of freedom of speech, the Allied Powers abolished wartime censorship by the militaristic Japanese government. Ironically, however, with the implementation of strict regulations, educational programs and censorship systems, the Allied Powers controlled information related to the Allied Powers and/or anti-Allied Powers opinions.
In that context, an examination of Japanese mystery stories, as well as the editorial directions of mystery magazines, helps readers understand the political, social and cultural stakes that the writers and publishers navigated during this period in recent Japanese history.
