오다 마코토(小田実)의 사상과 반전평화운동 - ‘난사(難死)’ 를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explain the thought and praxis of Oda Makoto, a post-War intellectual and peace activist of Japan. For this purpose, this paper reviews the following questions ; how did the individual experiences influence Oda's thoughts? how did the thoughts connect with his actions? This study specifically focused on the rationale for his activities based on his critical essays which was written on his wartime experiences. Oda was born in the days of war and one of the major anti-war, peace activists of the post-War Japan. He devoted himself to the anti-war, peace movement in the wake of OSAKA Air Raid and since then led the BEHEREN, which stands for ‘Vietnam Anti-War Peace Movement.’ He also wrote a couple of novels and essays on his wartime experiences. At the basis of his works are the memories of the Osaka Air Raid that he participated in, and this Air Raid served as ‘the idea of death in vain’ for ordinary citizens. ‘The idea of death in vain’ became the key word of his anti-war, peace movement. The idea of ‘Great East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere’ and the absolute loyalty to the Emperor were the ideas of militarism education. They were completely destroyed with the Osaka Air Raid and the eventually defeat. For Oda who was an ordinary citizen, the war was remembered as a source of fear and the sacrifice of ordinary citizens only. He began to actively engage in the anti-war, peace movement once he realized that sacrifice in war was an inevitable share for ordinary citizens. His move culminated in the 1960s when he led the ‘BEHEREN,’ the anti-Vietnam war movement organization. ‘BEHEREN’ was a loose, unconventional and free-spirited organization that anyone could join. Although it was a loose organization, its influence grew with a bigger membership, and Oda’s activity had also been drastically transformed. From “BEHEREN” activity, “Hanshin and Awaji Earthquake Relief Activities” in the ’90s to the “Article 9 Society” activity, Oda showed practical activities that prioritize the lives of ordinary citizens. While Air Raid were man-made incidents in which innocent ordinary citizens were killed, the earthquake was an inexorable natural disaster that could not be prevented by humankind. Oda proposed a bill to rebuild the lives of citizens and provide public support. From his experience in the Osaka Air Raid, he always presented his works based on “the idea of death in vain” as a writer. In this respect, he is regarded as an activist intellectual who led anti-war, peace activities across borders as well as in Japan.