Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Paper City (2021)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Paper City
Paper City recounts the devastating air raid on eastern Tokyo on 10 March 1945, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths and the destruction of a quarter of the city. Survivors Hiroshi Hoshino, Michiko Kiyooka, and Minoru Tsukiyama share their personal experiences during the bombings, providing a first-hand account of the tragedy and its aftermath. The documentary captures their reflections as they seek recognition and reparations for their suffering and that of others affected by the war. As the survivors confront the lack of acknowledgment from the Japanese government and society, the film shows the ongoing struggle for recognition of this painful history. It presents a critical view of how the legacy of the war is often overlooked, emphasizing the importance of memory and social activism in addressing past injustices.

Why Watch

  • •Meet survivors Hiroshi Hoshino and Michiko Kiyooka.
  • •Find out about the 1945 Tokyo air raid's impact.
  • •See the struggle for recognition of war victims.

Did You Know

•The air raid on Tokyo on 10 March 1945 killed over 100,000 people.
•A quarter of Tokyo was destroyed during the 1945 air raid.
•Survivors Hiroshi Hoshino, Michiko Kiyooka, and Minoru Tsukiyama reflect on their experiences in the film.
•The documentary was directed by Adrian Francis and released in 2021.

Perfect For

World War II historyJapanese war crimesSocial activism