Strained Relations: Post-War Trauma Transforms Devoted Father into Unrecognizable Loved One
In August 2022, Japan is revisiting the psychological effects of World War II on its former servicemen, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of war trauma. This renewed attention is shedding light on the enduring struggles of veterans and their families, as they grapple with the psychological scars left by the war.
One poignant example is that of Keijiro Kuroi, a former Imperial Japanese army soldier, as described by his son, Akio. Keijiro's military service experiences had a profound and lasting impact on his emotional state and behavior, leading him to be lethargic and appear as an "empty shell" until his death in 1990 at the age of 77.
The experiences of families like the Kurois are not unique. Many former Imperial Japanese servicemen developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions due to horrific battlefield experiences. These war-induced conditions, often referred to as "war trauma," can significantly alter a person's behavior and emotional state, often disrupting family life.
Recognising the need for action, the Japanese government has launched its first-ever survey on the realities faced by the families of former Imperial Japanese servicemen. The results of this survey are expected within the current fiscal year ending March 2026. This initiative is a response to the growing number of family members coming forward to share their experiences, highlighting the ongoing impact of war trauma on the lives of veterans and their families.
The psychological scars from World War II continue to affect the lives and families of many former Imperial Japanese servicemen. Documentaries such as "Atomic Echoes" underscore this point, highlighting the long-standing psychological and physical trauma experienced by Japanese survivors of atomic bombings, including former servicemen. These human stories serve as a reminder of the importance of education and increased awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by these veterans and their families.
This renewed attention may help drive further support initiatives for former Japanese servicemen suffering from PTSD and related psychological conditions. While mental health support infrastructure specific to these veterans is still developing, there is a clear trend toward acknowledging and addressing the psychological scars of WWII among former Japanese servicemen, supported by governmental research efforts and increased public discourse.
[1] Japanese government survey on the realities faced by the families of former Imperial Japanese servicemen: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsu/bunya/kenkou_iryou/seishinbyo/seishinbyo_chousa/kensetsu/0000114585.html [2] Atomic Echoes: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/atomic-echoes-nova-film-explores-the-long-term-health-effects-of-nuclear-bombings/ [3] Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The Nuclear Bombings and Their Aftermath: https://www.britannica.com/event/nuclear-bombings-of-Hiroshima-and-Nagasaki
- The Japanese government has shared details about its upcoming survey on the challenges faced by the families of former Imperial Japanese servicemen, which can be found on their website. [https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsu/bunya/kenkou_iryou/seishinbyo/seishinbyo_chousa/kensetsu/0000114585.html]
- The documentary "Atomic Echoes" shares stories about the long-term psychological and physical trauma experienced by Japanese atomic bombing survivors, many of whom were former servicemen. [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/atomic-echoes-nova-film-explores-the-long-term-health-effects-of-nuclear-bombings/]
- The psychological effects of World War II continue to be a focus of research in the field of science, with an increasing emphasis on the ongoing struggles faced by former Imperial Japanese servicemen and their families.
- As the Japanese government takes steps to address the mental health needs of veterans, the general public's increased awareness and engagement is reinforcing the call for better support initiatives in the health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors.
