Power in the Sky: Between Empires and Orientalism. Exploring Japanese Aviation through Existing Imaginaries, Technological Modernity, Imperial Ambitions and the Quest to Surpass the West

This thesis examines the development of aviation in Japan from the first flight experiments at the beginning of the twentieth century to the contemporary era, adopting a colonial interpretive perspective. In its initial phase, Japanese aviation emerged as a field strongly influenced by Western technological and scientific models; over time, however, Japan was able to adapt and reinterpret these influences, giving rise to an indigenous aeronautical industry and contributing to the construction of a distinct national identity within the sector. Particular attention is devoted to the period of the Japanese Empire, during which aviation assumed a central role in processes of colonial expansion and control throughout Asia. In this context, aviation functioned not only as a military instrument but also as a symbolic expression of imperial power and modernity. The thesis therefore highlights the interconnected relationship between technological development, political strategies, and the colonial imaginary. The analysis extends from the post–Second World War period to the present day, emphasizing the transformation of Japan’s image within the international aviation landscape: from a military power to a nation perceived as technologically advanced while simultaneously being represented as “exotic” and mystical. In doing so, the thesis contributes to a critical reinterpretation of Japanese aviation as a historical, cultural, and political phenomenon.