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Digital Stories

Explore highlighted topics related to propaganda in modern Japan through digital stories created by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives. 

Core Topics

Core Topics sakura introduce the history, propaganda, and artistic mediums of modern Japan, from the 19th century through World War II. 

Rise of Empire
THE RISE OF EMPIRE

In this brief introduction to the history of modern Japan learn more about the era that spans from the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Second World War…

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NISHIKI-E DEFINED
NISHIKI-E DEFINED

An introduction to the medium of multicolored Japanese woodblock prints and its use as mass media in modern Japan

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KAMISHIBAI DEFINED
KAMISHIBAI DEFINED

Literally “paper plays” in Japanese, learn about this unique medium and its history in modern Japan…

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DEFINING CONFLICTS OF MODERN JAPAN
DEFINING CONFLICTS OF MODERN JAPAN

In this brief introduction discover the primary conflicts and wars of modern Japan examined throughout the Fanning the Flames project, from the Imo Incident to the Second World War…

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WAR & MEDIA IN MODERN JAPAN
WAR & MEDIA IN MODERN JAPAN

A brief introduction to the emergence of newspapers in Japan and the interplay between mass media and wartime propaganda…

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A Closer Look

spy-glass These digital stories offer explorations of specific topics in the history of modern Japanese propaganda crafted in collaboration with scholars across the world based on their curiosities and interests.

National policy
NATIONAL POLICY KAMISHIBAI

A look into the adaptation of the popular Kamishibai (paper play) medium into a propaganda tool during wartime.

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Port Arthur
PORT ARTHUR STORYMAP

Learn about the Russo-Japanese War battle of Port Arthur and post-war symbolism and monuments via this interactive storymap.

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Zhenyuan
THE LIFECYCLE OF ZHENYUAN

Experience the lifecycle of a Chinese battleship via this interactive & storymap & and learn about its enduring symbolism.

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Celebratory
CELEBRATORY PROPAGANDA

Discover some never before seen photographs of the victory celebrations in Japan after the Russo-Japanese War and explore the festivities in storymaps of Tokyo and Yokohama.

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Storymap-Fuchida
A Decisive Air Force Map

Explore this storymap examining Japan's Ketsugo Air Force Operation Plan from the Fuchida Collection.

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Bonner Fellers & WWII Propaganda Leaflets
WWII Leaflet Propaganda

Explore US propaganda leaflets used against the Japanese during World War II and learn about Bonner Frank Fellers, a mastermind behind the program.

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