Conducting Oral History with Ex-Enemies: the Dynamics of Former Antagonists

Tomoyo Nakao

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Chapter 24 Conducting Oral History with Ex-Enemies: the Dynamics of Former Antagonists

In: Handbook of Global Oral History

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Tomoyo Nakao

Tomoyo Nakao
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 575–594

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004737181_026

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Abstract

This chapter aims to enable readers to conduct oral history research involving individuals from both the aggressor’s and the aggressed sides in wars or conflicts. It provides actual examples of what occurred during the author’s interviews and how the author managed these situations. This chapter also offers tips for dealing with the stress phenomena that interviewers may experience during the research, such as traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, a sense of responsibility towards the conflicts between former enemies, nightmares, or feelings of guilt while processing oral history materials. Practical advice is given to cope with this sense of guilt and highlights the significance of interviews in fostering mutual understanding and even healing during oral history research. Additionally, the chapter discusses the importance of preparing to listen to the hardships and predicaments of war/conflict victims. This preparation includes being aware of your attributes, such as gender, past victimhood, being the descents of the victimizer’s side or role as a teacher or researcher. The rapport between narrator and listener is crucial, and the chapter addresses how to balance personal life with the demands of oral history research.

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Handbook of Global Oral History

Series: Handbooks of Literary and Cultural Studies, Volume: 3

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004737181

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 11 Oct 2025

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Chapter 24 Conducting Oral History with Ex-Enemies: the Dynamics of Former Antagonists

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Handbook of Global Oral History

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