일본의 근대 전쟁유적(戦争遺跡) 유산화(遺産化) 실태와 동향

초록

Japan retains numerous war heritage built during its imperialist wars of aggression. Interest and investigations of modern war heritage sites in Japan began in the 1980s with the establishment of the concept of war archaeology(戦跡考古学). Subsequently, large-scale government-led investigations were conducted from the 1990s onwards. In 1997, the National Network for the Preservation of War Sites was formed, leading to comprehensive and ongoing research into these sites. Japan’s war heritage sites can be categorized diversely depending on their nature, purpose, and historical perspectives. Several researchers have proposed classification criteria based on their analytical viewpoints. However, due to the complex nature of these sites, strict categorization remains challenging. Rather than classifying war heritage sites in a uniform way, it appears necessary to attempt categorization and analysis based on specific research perspectives and objectives. The study and preservation of Japan’s modern war heritage sites gained significant attention through investigations into relics associated with the Battle of Okinawa during the Asia-Pacific War. Increased interest on war relics as well as following research and investigations naturally progressed into efforts for their preservation and designation as heritage sites. Notably, the underground bunker of the Haebaru Army Hospital(南風原陸軍病院) in Okinawa became the first war heritage site to be designated as a cultural property. Since then, the designation of war heritage sites as cultural properties has continued, a trend further propelled by the introduction of the Cultural Property Registration System in 1996. As of 2024, the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan manages a total of 642 war heritage sites. Japan’s modern war heritage sites hold significance as they vividly illustrate the historical realities of the imperialist wars of aggression during the Asia-Pacific War. Moreover, similar war relics can be found across all regions once colonized or occupied by imperial Japan, obviously including the Korean Peninsula. Research and utilization of these war heritage sites, based on a network between Korea and Japan, are necessary.

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