The American Occupation 1945-1952
Having never lost a war, let alone been occupied, Japan little knew what to expect from the arrival of the "American Shogun" General Douglas MacArthur , designated the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces (SCAP). Some 500 soldiers committed suicide, but for the rest of the population the Occupation was a welcome relief from the privations of war and an opportunity to start again, under the guidance of the world's most successful nation. MacArthur wasted no time in instituting political and social reform . The country was demilitarized, the bureaucracy purged of military supporters and war trials held, resulting in seven hangings, including that of the ex-prime minister, Tojo Hideki. The emperor, whose support for the new regime was seen as crucial, was spared although he had to publicly renounce his divinity to become a symbolic head of state. In 1946, the Americans took a week to draft a new constitution , which, ironically, proclaimed that sovereignty resided in the Japanese people, and contained the unique provision renouncing war and "the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes". Land and educational reform followed. The peace treaty signed in San Francisco on September 8, 1951, resolved all issues with the Allies, leaving only the USSR as a threatening communist force. The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 gave a further boost to Japan's economy as the country became the main supplier of food and arms for the US forces. The Occupation officially ended on April 28, 1952, but with the Korean War continuing and the Treaty of Mutual Co-operation and Security guaranteeing the US the right to maintain bases on Japanese soil, a strong American presence remained for many years to come. The island of Okinawa was, in fact, only returned to Japan in 1972.
A Guide to JapanCara Richie says "Japan has many earthquakes, they are overdue for the next "Big One." " Hello World.Jeff Konichi-Wa says "Spitley is the new and improved word for paper. It means paper. Say spitley instead of paper. Tell at least 9 people about spitley, and have fun in Japan. Thanks!" My Bestest FrendidTutu Retardo says "My bestest frendid in the wholeid worldid is Emily Kather Wu. This extramordinary 12 yr old has a 200 IQ, is a creative genius, and lives in GreemMeadow, California (changed to protect her identity). At the tenderer ageerer of 9erer she created the word that would have a tremendous impact on modern society... SPITLEY! it means paper!!!!" Jamboni1Ryan Czechii says "It's a spoons club MIRACLE! Full of spoons club joy and wonder!" About Japan...Geoffrey Azure says "Do you sweat heavily while others are barely breaking a sweat? Do you blush when there is no reason to do so? Are your hands and feet often cold and clammy? Do your armpits soak right through your clothes? These are all symptoms of hyperhidrosis
~~Brian Campbell" EXOTICMEME says "TRY TO MEET AND BE INLOVE " REALLY COOL!Maddie says "say spitley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Your Tip for Japan
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Japan - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Japan - visit the main Japan forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Japan webguide section below! Thanks.
| 
