A study of diplomatic history on the disposition of Japanese war dead during WWII

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K17005
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: International relations
• Research Institution: Teikyo University
• Principal Investigator: HAMAI Kazufumi 帝京大学, 学修・研究支援センター, 准教授 (20614530)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 戦後処理 / 戦没者慰霊 / 遺骨収集 / 復員 / 引揚げ / 遺族 / 日本外交 / 記憶

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study analyzed the problem of the disposition of Japanese war dead overseas from the end of WWII to the 1960s, focusing on diplomatic relation with United States, United Kingdom and Australia. As a result of this study, it especially clarified 3 points below. First, the international rules on the disposition of war dead like the Geneva Convention affected deeply the policy-making process of each country. Second, public opinion by the war bereaved and negotiation with U.S. were crucial factors for Japanese government to decide policy for war dead. Third, Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, established in 1959, was not to become a center of the National Institute for Commemoration of WWII because of division of internal opinions. This study plans to publish a book which shows various aspects on this issue including these points.

Free Research Field

日本近現代史、日本外交史