Kamikaze, Cherry Blossoms, and Nationalisms

In 'Kamikaze, Cherry Blossoms, and Nationalisms,' Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney examines the role of symbolism and aesthetics in totalitarian ideology, focusing on how the cherry blossom was used to encourage sacrifice for the emperor during Japan's military period.

Drawing on previously unpublished diaries, she reveals the complexities of the kamikaze pilots' experiences and their nuanced views on the imperial ideology.