Key Facts
• World War II caused long-term visible and invisible damage to individuals and society.
• Japanese soldiers invaded China and Southeast Asia, enduring traumatic experiences.
• Many soldiers developed mental illnesses, including neuroses and psychoses.
• Military denied the existence of affected soldiers, concealing the issue post-war.
• Repatriated soldiers often exhibited violent behavior and social withdrawal.
• 80 years after the war, families began testifying about their fathers’ abnormal actions.
• Japan’s Ministry of Health conducted its first study on soldiers’ psychological scars in 2024.
• Findings revealed 785 million wartime patients, with 8% (67 million) suffering mental illnesses.
• Data primarily focused on soldiers treated in military hospitals during the war.
• Repatriated soldiers were stigmatized as having “war dementia” and lacked proper treatment.
• Experts estimate many soldiers suffered from PTSD, similar to U.S. Vietnam War veterans.
• U.S. recognized PTSD in veterans in the 1980s, highlighting its severe impact.
• War’s damage extends beyond physical destruction, necessitating historical lessons.
Summary
World War II left enduring psychological scars on Japanese soldiers, many of whom developed mental illnesses due to traumatic wartime experiences. Despite the severity, the military denied their existence, and the issue remained hidden for decades. Repatriated soldiers often struggled to reintegrate into society, with some exhibiting violent behavior or social withdrawal. In 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health conducted its first study on this issue, revealing that 8% of wartime patients suffered from mental illnesses. However, the study primarily focused on wartime hospital data, leaving post-repatriation impacts unclear. Experts believe many soldiers experienced PTSD, similar to U.S. Vietnam War veterans, whose condition was officially recognized in the 1980s. The findings underscore the need to address the invisible damage of war and preserve these lessons for future generations.
