Godzilla, Butoh, and Transgenerational Trauma: Healing Through Art

Godzilla: The Atomic Roar of a Nation's Trauma

Godzilla, the iconic monster born from Toho Studios in 1954, represents more than just a fantastical creature. Emerging in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Godzilla reflects the deep-seated fears and existential doubts of a nation grappling with the aftermath of nuclear devastation.

Godzilla's monstrous silhouette can be understood as a shadow of Japan's collective trauma. The original film’s depiction of Godzilla as a giant, destructive force mirrors the horror experienced by those who survived the bombings. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma, explains:

“Trauma is not just an event that happened in the past; it is an experience that continues to live on in the present, affecting our bodies and minds.”

Godzilla’s rampage through Tokyo symbolizes the catastrophic impact of nuclear weapons. The King of the Monsters provides an external object for Japanese society to project and focus their fears. His persistent presence in popular culture underscores an ongoing need to address and understand these psychological wounds.

Butoh: Dancing with the Shadows Within

In contrast to Godzilla's externalization of trauma, Butoh offers an introspective and somatic exploration of post-war psychological wounds. Created  in the late 1950s by Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, Butoh is an avant-garde dance form characterized by excruciatingly slow and disjointed movements alongside grotesque and unsettling themes and facial expressions.

Butoh offers a medium for dancers and spectators to emotionally process their experiences. The dance form’s focus on grotesque and taboo imagery, including agony, mirrors post-war Japan's emotional choas. Butoh emphasizes non-verbal communication through facial expressions, gestures, and body language. This encourages dancers to move beyond language, conveying emotions too complex for words.

“Trauma is a breach in the bond between self and world. The recovery process is about repairing that bond and reintegrating the self.” — Judith Herman

Through its intense and cathartic movements, the Butoh performance provides a secure environment for performers and audience to confront and communicate their distress. 

Transgenerational Trauma: The Unseen Inheritance

A 2018 study published in Nature Communications found that trauma-induced epigenetic (gene and DNA) changes could affect gene expression in future generations. This research is complemented by findings from studies on Holocaust survivors and their descendants, which demonstrate how trauma experienced by one generation can have lasting effects on subsequent generations. For example, research has shown that the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors can exhibit signs of trauma and stress-related disorders, despite not having experienced the Holocaust themselves.

Breaking the Cycle: Healing for the Future 

Confronting and processing our emotional wounds is not just an act of self-care; it's an act of intergenerational responsibility. By engaging in creative outlets like dance, writing, visual arts, music, or any form of meaningful self-expression, we move toward self-discovery and healing. 

At the same time, this journey may have positive ripple effects, contributing to the well-being of those yet to be born. Research shows that creative expression can significantly benefit one's mental and emotional well-being. This may be especially true for those whom life has dealt a tough hand. While further research is needed to fully understand its downstream impact, radical and cathartic creative expression may help reduce the risk of transgenerational trauma. It's not only good for us, but may affect generations to come.

“Creative expression is a vital component in healing from trauma. It allows individuals to process and communicate their experiences in ways that words alone cannot.” — Judith Herman