Parched Earth, Thirsting Souls. Some Reflections on Tada Tomio's Genbakuki

This paper examines Tada Tomio’s Nō play Genbakuki 原爆忌 (The anniversary of the bomb) through the prism of corporeal and spiritual thirst. Known as bannōjin (multi-talented genius) for his achievements in both immunology and arts, Tada crafted a powerful representation of the Hiroshima atomic bombing that explores the complex theme of survival without surviving – a condition where victims exist between life and death. Through careful analysis of the play’s characters and their symbolic thirsts for knowledge, peace, life, and oblivion, this study demonstrates how Tada masterfully employed traditional Nō theatrical elements to address contemporary nuclear concerns while preserving historical memory, creating a work that bridges past and present employing innovative dramaturgical techniques.