Controversy has erupted in Japan after a now-deleted poster for the internet sensation “Barbenheimer” appeared to make light of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The fan-made poster, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter), depicted actor Cillian Murphy's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer holding a Barbie doll, played by Margot Robbie, in front of a mushroom cloud. The poster sparked outrage among Japanese users, who were further aggravated when the official US account for the Barbie film commented on the post, stating that "it's gonna be a summer to remember." In response, the hashtag "#NoBarbenheimer" began trending on social media platforms.

Japanese social media users expressed their shock and disappointment at the poster, with one user stating, "I love memes, but this one was shocking. It probably spread without such a deep meaning, but as a Japanese person, I can't laugh at it." Another user strongly condemned the joking portrayal of the atomic bombing, demanding that the related tweets be retracted and deleted. A third person criticized the Barbie movie, stating that it relied on the atomic bomb and the meme of the mushroom cloud, offering no redemption for the insensitivity of the posts.

Warner Bros. Japan responded to the backlash, stating that it is seeking an appropriate response to the situation. The Japanese “Barbie” account apologized, calling the American headquarters' reaction to the social media postings "extremely regrettable." They expressed their seriousness in handling the situation and apologized to those offended by the insensitive actions.

The “Barbie” movie and “Oppenheimer” were released on the same day, generating significant buzz and fan creations. However, in Japan, the mashup of the two films did not sit well due to the country's history as the only nation to experience atomic bombings. The juxtaposition of beloved childhood icon Barbie with mushroom clouds caused anger among social media users.

Warner Bros. US issued an apology for its “insensitive” social media engagement, although some have criticized it as half-hearted. The studio expressed regret and offered a sincere apology for the controversy. However, the anger and disappointment among Japanese users remain palpable.

The release of the “Barbie” movie in Japan is scheduled for August 11, just days after the anniversaries of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On the other hand, the release date for “Oppenheimer” in Japan has not been announced. Some speculate that the delay may be an effort to avoid offending local sensibilities regarding the legacy of the nuclear attacks.

Jeffrey J. Hall, a history lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, commented on the situation, stating that it is common for Japanese film distributors to delay releases for up to six months or a year, usually without political motivations.

This is not the first time the “Barbie” movie has faced controversy. Previously, it was criticized for featuring an in-movie map of the world using the "nine-dash line," which represents China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam refused to grant a release license for the movie due to the map, claiming that it violated their sovereignty. Warner Bros. later clarified that the map was a child-like drawing and not intended to make a political statement.

The response to “Barbenheimer” in Japan highlights the sensitivity surrounding the atomic bombings and the need for cultural sensitivity in film promotions. The controversy serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of historical events and the importance of understanding different perspectives.