Love conquers all in 'War Bride'ーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• War Bride
• Post-WWII Japan
• US-Japan Relations
• Discrimination
• Interracial Marriage
• Peace Advocacy

The Play "War Bride": A Story of Ko Han

This summary details a new play titled "War Bride," which explores the life of Ko Han, a Japanese woman who married a US serviceman shortly after World War II. The play is based on Ko Han's true story and highlights the challenges and discrimination she faced.

Main Topics and Key Points:

• Historical Context: The play is set 80 years after the end of World War II, focusing on the experiences of Japanese women who married US servicemen.
• Protagonist's Background: Ko Han was a student during World War II and experienced an air raid by US forces, which resulted in the deaths of some of her schoolmates. This event intensified her hatred towards war.
• Meeting and Marriage: After the war, Ko Han worked at a US military facility where she met American serviceman Frank Han. They fell in love and married in 1951 when Ko was 20 years old. She then moved to the US.
• The Play's Depiction: "War Bride" portrays the couple's journey, including their struggles and joys.
• Ko Han's Current Life: Frank Han passed away in 2006. Ko Han, now 94, continues to live in Ohio.
• Actor's Preparation: Renowned Japanese actor N, who plays Ko Han, felt intimidated by the role, expressing immense pressure to accurately convey the life of a woman she deeply respects. Before production, N met Ko Han in Ohio.

Discrimination and Resilience:

• Discrimination in Japan: While still in Japan, Ko Han faced labeling as a "prostitute" simply for dating an American serviceman.
• Discrimination in the US: Upon moving to the US, she was singled out for being Japanese.
• Ko Han's Perspective: Despite the unfair treatment, Ko Han stated she never hated those who discriminated against her. She believed that feelings of discrimination and hatred are a consequence of war.

Actor N's Interpretation and Message:

• Nurturing Love: Actor N observed that Ko Han was "so charming" and had "truly nurtured love with many people."
• Determination Against War: N felt Ko Han's strong determination that "we absolutely must not allow war to happen again."
• Preserving War Experiences: N believes the role of people today is to "receive the words that people who went through the war wish to convey and preserve."
• Baton of Peace: N feels she has received "the baton of peace through this story" and hopes to pass it on as a "beacon of hope."

Impact and Legacy:

• Play's Run: "War Bride" concluded its run in September after touring several cities in Japan.
• Hope for Lasting Difference: The creators of the play hope that Ko Han's story will make a lasting impact.

Attribution:

• This report is based on information from Dangura Aayumi of NHK World.