Trajectory of Akihiro Maruyama - Postwar Japan Spun by A-bomb Experience, "Mekemeke" and Chanson - November 1970

Trajectory of Akihiro Maruyama - Postwar Japan Spun by A-bomb Experience, "Mekemeke" and Chanson - November 1970

### The A-bomb experience and its effects

On August 9, 1945, 10-year-old Akihiro Maruyama (later Akihiro Miwa) experienced the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Living approximately 1.4 km from the hypocenter, he miraculously survived the bombing, but the sight of the burnt ruins and suffering people left a deep scar on his mind. He and his family struggled to survive, overcoming the effects of radiation and the social turmoil that followed the bombing. This experience had a decisive impact on his outlook on life and his artistic activities, and led him to pursue a career as an expressive artist who stresses the importance of peace.

### Chanson Singer

After the war, Maruyama attracted attention as a chanson singer. He popularized chanson culture among Japanese audiences by singing the famous French songs "Hymn to Love" and "Last Dance is for Me" in Japanese. His singing voice and expressiveness attracted many people and established his position as a pioneer of chanson. In his own composition, "Yoitomake no uta," he sang of empathy for people living in the postwar reconstruction period and the preciousness of labor, gaining wide support. This song is particularly appreciated for its social message.

### Birth and background of "Mekemeke

Maruyama's masterpiece "Mek Mek" was inspired by the French chanson "Mek Mek. Characterized by its light rhythm and humorous lyrics, the song is known as a symbol of the free and open atmosphere of postwar Japan. Behind this song was the energy of people celebrating freedom and their yearning for foreign cultures that Maruyama felt during the chaos of the postwar period. Mekemeke" is more than just a song; it is an important work that reflects Maruyama's aesthetics and philosophy.

### Interaction with the literary and artistic world

Maruyama also devoted himself to interaction with the literary and artistic worlds. He developed friendships with writers such as Yukio Mishima and Shuji Terayama, and thinkers such as Isamu Kurita and Sakutaro Hagiwara, and through dialogue with them he gained new perspectives on his creative activities. These interactions were an important factor in further enriching Maruyama's expression and broadening his range as an artist.

### Message of Peace and Love

Maruyama's activities were based on his experience of the atomic bombing and conveyed the importance of peace, love, and freedom. His message deeply touched the hearts of many people through his songs, stage performances, and lectures, including "Yoitomake no Uta" and "Mekemeke. His expressive stance contributed to the cultural revival and peace movement in postwar Japan, and his influence is still passed on today without fading.

Akihiro Maruyama's footprints continue to inspire many people about the importance of peace and love through his experience of the atomic bombing, his chansons, and "Mekemeke. His life and art form form an essential chapter in the history and culture of postwar Japan.