I came across a question on r/movies about how the film Akira captures the mindset of post bombing Japan and was curious what other conclusions can be drawn from popular Japanese media. From my limited exposure to Japanese media, a strong military culture is often prevalent, both for good and ill. Would it be presumptuous to tie this example to the massacre in Nanking?
I was talking with one of our old flairs last night loosely about this topic, and he actually gave me what he felt was the most demonstrable effect on Japanese culture. The most demonstrable effect of the War is Article 9 of their constitution; and how it has colored Japanese culture and instilled a pride in pacifism.
The article, in broad strokes, outlaws war and the deployment of offensive weaponry. It is, however, considered a source of great pride now in modern Japan. I'm attempting to avoid modern references, but generally speaking since the end of the war, the Party in power, or the parties near to the parties in power, have been staunchly pacifist.
Translations vary, but here is the key clause of Article 9:
"the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes"
Legally this means that Japan has technically waived the right to settle disputes involving its nation with use of force; this is of course debatable given the ever-increasing re-armament of the JSDF, but the cultural impact is undeniable; the Japanese have molded and adopted this into their national identity, perceived or actual.