History Extra podcast VJ Day and the story of women's football: history behind the headlines
Aug 18, 2025
The discussion commemorates 80 years since VJ Day, highlighting the historical significance of Japan's surrender and the differences in remembrance compared to Europe's victory. It also dives into the complex narratives of WWII in Asia, particularly the impact of war on children. The podcast explores the evolution of women's football, tracing its journey from the 1881 match to the challenges faced, including a significant ban by the FA. Lastly, it reflects on the early 20th century transformation of women's roles and the emergence of the 'new woman' in society.
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Episode notes
VJ Day's Fragmented Memory
- Memory of VJ Day and the Asia war remains fragmented compared with Europe, shaped by different wartime timelines and postwar politics.
- Rana Mitter explains Asia's longer, multi-front conflict and how Cold War divides prevented a unified memory.
Two Distinct Asian Theatres
- The Asia war included both the Pacific naval campaigns and the China‑Burma theatre, which began earlier and caused massive civilian suffering.
- Mitter emphasizes that China's long war with Japan left deeper devastation often overlooked in global WWII narratives.
China's Unique Wartime Toll
- China's wartime death toll included combat, bombing, and a famine that killed millions, shaping its memory of the war.
- Mitter notes that these massive internal losses make Asian wartime memory qualitatively different from Europe's.
