[2] During the Pacific War, Kenichi is reported dead after his transport ship sinks under enemy attack off China, but he has really drifted away from the wreck and been rescued by fishermen.

War and Peace was among several films produced after two labor disputes at Toho, which resulted in the employees' union gaining representation at company production meetings.

[3] Films promoting the ideals of the new Japanese Constitution were officially encouraged by the government at the insistence of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.

[3] As with other productions filmed in Tokyo, the crew had been ordered to avoid any depiction of the American presence in the city, including soldiers, jeeps, and English-language signs.

[2][6] Although the CCD recanted on some criticisms made by its censors, a total of thirty minutes of footage was excised from the rough cut of the film.