전후 소년잡지와 역도산 표상 —『소년 구락부(少年クラブ)』를 중심으로—

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the heroization process of Rikidozan in the Showa 30s (1955–1965) with a focus on Rikidozan, which is regarded as an icon of national unity that enabled Japan to recover and rebuild its economy after World War II. In particular, the purpose of this research is to examine how the Japanese identity lost in the defeat of the War was reconstructed by the boys of the same era through Rikidozan pro-wrestling. For this, this paper examines the novels related to Rikidozan, which were loved by many students. Rikidozan-related novels published in boys' and girls' magazines in the Showa 30s also play an important role in the magazine's specialty, targeting elementary school students. In the novels, Rikidozan is illustrated as a "weak child" and "strong child." In particular, Rikidozan is portrayed as a “child of justice” who is always willing to help the “weak child” although he is a “strong child.” It can also be interpreted that Rikidozan's novels, which were published in the boys’ and girls' magazine during the same period, had elements that could undermine the deceitfulness and unilateral violence of ethics education.