On Wednesday, November 29, the Luther College Identity Studies and Religion departments hosted a showing of the Japanese animated film “This Corner of the World” in Olin 102.
The film follows 18 year-old Suzu who moves from her hometown Hiroshima to Kure, Japan because of an arranged marriage, and witnesses the horrors of World War II. The film depicts both the losses due to war and the continuation of life throughout war, celebrating nature, family, and the joys that remain in the small and everyday actions. “This Corner of the World” is based on the manga by Fumiyo Kōno. It has also been adapted into a television special, a live-action television series, and a stage musical.
The movie was chosen by Religion Professor Gereon Kopf, who teaches East Asian Religions and Philosophy of Religion in the department. This semester Kopf is teaching IDS 335: Global Traditions. “This Corner of the World”is part of the Identity Studies Film Series as well as an ongoing class curriculum which unites class content with films to highlight marginalized voices and show a different perspective of filmmaking outside of Hollywood. Kopf invites both his own students taking his course and other students to watch the films and discuss them afterwards.
The films in the Identity Studies series relate to what Kopf is currently teaching in the Global Traditions class. According to Kopf, “This Corner of the World” deals with three main issues: loss, owning your own decisions, and hope and new beginnings. Kopf trained in Japan studies, and is familiar with Japanese culture but also teaches about other Southeast Asian cultures in the class. Kopf hopes that the film studies and this course will teach students about new cultures and learn about their experiences.
“Most students coming to this class don’t know too much about any of those cultures, probably mostly about Japan because of Manga,” Kopf said. “So I think as important as the academic discussion is, it’s important to give a cultural background.”
The film selection comes from a synthesis of films that Kopf enjoyed, that were applicable to the class content, and that students might learn from. What Kopf appreciates about this particular film is the emphasis on relationships and living moments of life and not the war itself.
“It is important for us to see that it’s not just theory for the people who are suffering,” Kopf said. “They are suffering, it is horrible. I think regardless of what people think about the necessity of bombs or using war, we all have to know what it does to us humans. It dehumanizes us.”
Sloan Clemens (’24) said that she was really struck by the “perspective” of “This Corner of the World.”
“More often than not movies tend to tell the story of the winners, not those who suffered the brunt of war or tragedy,” Clemens said. “The movie gives a perspective of the Japanese during the bombing of Hiroshima during WWII and how everything before, during, and after the event impacted and forever changed their lives. Whether that was with the death of people they knew, destruction of their hometown, or physical [and] mental injuries.”
Sophie Yakes (’25) said that “This Corner of the World” was her favorite film of the Identity Studies film series, in part due to the contrast of the film from other selections in the series. Yakes specifically highlighted that she was drawn to the artistry of the animation, and thought the film promoted thoughtful discussion.
“I really loved the film and it prompted an amazing discussion the next day in class,” Yakes said. “The film was emotional to watch because it was a reminder of the history of cycles of oppression that we are currently repeating in many parts of the world.
The next film in the Identity Studies Film Series, “Tokyo Godfathers,” was shown on December 6. Directed by Satoshi Kon, the film comments on class and sexual identities in a capitalistic world. For those who missed both films, “Tokyo Godfathers” and “This Corner of the World” can be found on a variety of streaming platforms.
Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published in print issue Vol. 149 of CHIPS in December of 2023, and on lutherchips.com on December 5, 2023. The online version was updated with quotes from Clemens and Yakes on December 9, 2023.
