SPACES FOR MEMORIALS, REMEMBRANCES, AND HONORS IN POSTWAR TOKYO (PART 1): SELECTION PROCESS AND TRANSITION OF VENUES FOR THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR THE WAR DEAD FROM 1950s TO MID 1960s

Abstract

The National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead is now customarily held at the Nippon Budokan on August 15 each year, but it was initially held at different venues. This study aims to clarify its selection process and transition. The findings are as follows: 1) From the 1950s to mid-1960s, factors considered important in selection changed from time to time due to the political dynamics of the various parties involved; 2) In the end, the Nippon Budokan, having no problems in terms of functionality, convenience, or legality, and no strong sense of place, was chosen as the venue.