The convergence of two American movie releases, “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” has sparked an unexpected social media storm in Japan, a nation scarred by historical nuclear attacks. The emergence of the “Barbenheimer” meme, which combines elements from both films, had already been trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, but the situation escalated when the official Barbie film account made a questionable post, adding fuel to the fire. As the anniversary of the devastating Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings approaches, let’s delve into the controversial aftermath surrounding this meme.
Japanese users had been actively voicing their disapproval of the “Barbenheimer” meme by embracing the hashtag “#NoBarbenheimer” on social media platforms. However, tension heightened when the official U.S. Barbie film account joined the discussion, posting, “It’s going to be a summer to remember.” This provoked further outrage among Japanese users and intensified the ongoing backlash.
This year commemorates the 78th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, tragic events that still evoke solemn remembrance and calls for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons. While Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” has not been banned in Japan, it has yet to receive a release date after debuting in U.S. theaters the previous month. Japanese social media users shared scenes from movies depicting the horrifying consequences of nuclear bombs, emphasizing their displeasure with the “Barbenheimer” meme.
The uproar eventually prompted a response from the Japan office of Warner Bros., the distributor of the Barbie film. In an official statement posted on Barbie’s Japanese account, Warner Bros. Japan LLC expressed its deep regret regarding the involvement of the U.S.-based Barbie account with the “Barbenheimer” movement, considering it inappropriate. The Japanese arm of the company clarified that it had no connection to the meme or associated movement and announced its intention to seek an appropriate response from its U.S. parent.
Takashi Uchiyama, a professor of cultural and creative studies at Aoyama Gakuin University, highlights that Hollywood typically takes into account themes and expressions sensitive to specific countries. The simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer in the U.S., prompting some audience members to watch both films in a single theater visit, adds another layer to the controversy. While it is common for Hollywood films to debut later in Japan after their U.S. premieres, the release of Barbie in Japan is set for August 11, following deliberate consideration.
The Fate of “Oppenheimer” in Japan:
Toho-Towa Co., the usual distributor of Universal Pictures films, confirms that the release date for “Oppenheimer” in Japan is yet to be determined. The decision lies with Universal Pictures. Experts believe that if Warner Bros.’ American office acknowledges the gravity of the issue and offers an apology, it could potentially pacify the backlash. Furthermore, the anticipation of awards for “Oppenheimer” might pave the way for wider theatrical distribution in Japan.
The clash of sensitivities surrounding the “Barbenheimer” meme has ignited a significant social media backlash in Japan, a country forever marked by the horrors of nuclear warfare. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures will address the situation, and whether their responses will alleviate the concerns and anger expressed by the Japanese public.
Market Capital Research 