Introduction

This chapter focuses on theory of local war memories derived from Hokkaido's experience of the Second World War. The 'local' is defined as a geographical area smaller than the nation but larger than a household. The parameters of local war memories in Hokkaido are clarified, and local collective memories are shown to be memories subsumed within national memories and possessing mid-level cultural power. The vast numbers of people killed by Japanese, including by people from Hokkaido, during the war cannot be ignored. Japan acquired through conquest various overseas colonies well before the Second World War began, waged 15 years of war in China from 1931-1945, and occupied considerable overseas territories during the Pacific War after 1941. In Japan 15 August is considered the war end anniversary and a minute's silence is observed at noon at the national ceremony of commemoration to remember the war dead held in Tokyo.