Japanese Domestic Radio and Cinema Propaganda, 1937–1945: An Overview

LONG BEFORE the creation of the modern Japanese state censorship and propaganda had a signficant role in politics and cultural life. From the early seventeenth century Chu Hsi Confucianism was the ideology of government, and moralistic exhortation was an important aspect of administration. ¹ Placards and edicts instructed all Japanese to be diligent and loyal and to behave in ways appropriate to their social status. ² By the eighteenth century literary and theatrical censorship was detailed and effective, and did much to create the special conventions of the kabuki theatre. ³ Pre-modern censors sought to protect the regime and public morals, and as eductional standards rose official control of publications became increasingly important.