The Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University will hold the HPI Research Forum as follows:
1. Speaker
Ashley Souther
(Ph.D. student at Graduate School of Peace Studies, Hiroshima City University)
2. Topic
“Perspectives of “Gen” outside Japan”
3. Date and Time
October 31, 2025 (Friday) 14:40-16:10
4. Venue
Exchange Lounge, Faculty of Information Sciences Annex 6F, Hiroshima City University
(3-4-1, Ozuka-Higashi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima)
5. Language
English and Japanese
6. Abstract of the Forum
Barefoot Gen (Hadashi no Gen) by Keiji Nakazawa, is the foremost Hibakusha manga and one of the prominent works of Hiroshima literature known worldwide. Translated into more than 20 different languages, the reach of Nakazawa’s anti-war message, “war is wrong and must never be allowed,” has become truly global. Being the first ever manga to leave Japanese shores, however, Barefoot Gen had to overcome many obstacles along the way. After first beginning serialization in Japan in 1973, all 10 volumes were finally translated and published in English in 2009.
One obstacle that remains is that of interpretation. Frederik L. Schodt points out, “Manga is the id [from psychology, instinctual aspect of personality] of Japanese culture,” an authentic, unvarnished look into the cultural dynamics of the country and its people. To truly understand it one must also grasp its background. However, academics in other countries view Hiroshima and the work of Nakazawa through different cultural and historical lenses, leading to vastly different analyses.
In my presentation, I will discuss these core questions: Can the genre of manga/comics be used to convey a message of peace? Is Barefoot Gen too violent or problematic? Does Nakazawa do enough to hold those responsible for the war to account? Scholars around the world have different answers and perspectives. By comparing these different interpretations, we gain insight not only into the different ways that people see Barefoot Gen, but also the ways in which they see Hiroshima.
7. Profile of the Speaker
Ashley Souther designs and teaches the peace studies curriculum at Takeda High School in Higashi-Hiroshima. Drawing on his experience in Gaza, he seeks to fortify peace education by connecting students and teachers from Hiroshima with those around the world. He has a Master’s in conflict resolution from the American University in Washington DC, peace education from Hiroshima City University, and was awarded the Hiroshima Peace Creation Fund Award in 2024. He often writes and speaks on Gaza and Hiroshima in the context of peace education.
8. Notes
・No advance reservations are necessary. Please come directly to the venue.
・This forum may be cancelled at short notice due to the lecturer's circumstances or other unexpected reasons. Thank you for your understanding about this possibility in advance.
Contact
Hiroshima Peace Institute (HPI), Hiroshima City University
Email：office-peace&m.hiroshima-cu.ac.jp
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