The U.S. Occupation of Japan

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Adele Jennings
5 years ago
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1 The U.S. Occupation of Japan Up until the time of WWII, Japan continued to have a very traditional society. The Japanese Emperor held his authority as a living God. High ranking military officials were granted the power to use force to expand Japan s empire and secure their economic interests in Asia. At home, Japan was a fascist society, and Japanese citizens enjoyed few personal rights or freedoms. The dynamics of the family structure changed very little over the course of hundreds of years. Women performed household tasks, while men went to work and were considered the head of the household. Upon the surrender of Japan on August 15 th, 1945, Japan would undergo a radical change that would affect every aspect of their society. In March of the following year, Emperor Hirohito, the 124 th Emperor of Japan, was forced to publicly state that he is not a living god. That same year, the American Commander, General Douglas MacArthur, asked the Japanese Emperor to introduce a new Constitution (The Showa Constitution) to the Japanese people. MacArthur believed that in order for the Japanese to become a peaceful and democratic nation the government had to be changed. How do you think these changes would affect Japan? How did Japan change as a result of the U.S. Occupation? DIRECTIONS: In groups of 4-6 (we need exactly 5 groups), examine each of the documents and fill in the chart below. Questions 1. How did the role of the Japanese Emperor change as a result of the Showa Constitution? 2. Discuss feudal society in Japan. How did the Japanese people s rights change as a result of the new constitution? 3. How did roles in the family change as a result of the U.S. Occupation? Explain your answer 4. How did the process of creating laws change as a result of the new Showa Constitution? 5. How will these changes affect Japan? 6. How has Japan changed economically since the end of WWII?

2 Japan Today Despite an economic downturn in the last twelve years, Japan today remains one of the foremost economic powers in the world. As their rapid growth became apparent to the rest of the world, other Asian countries began to follow the Japanese model of growth including China, South Korea, and much of Southeast Asia. Between 1952 and the early 70 s, Japan experienced unprecedented economic growth. Japan achieved this growth through the expansion of their technical industries, such as electronics and automobiles. Japan was especially successful in their automotive industry which focused on smaller sized cars. These fuel efficient cars became more attractive to global consumers as gas prices rose. Japan remains a unique society that has retained many of their traditional qualities. It remains to be one of the most racially homogenous (homogeneous= same) cultures in the world. There are still lingering sentiments of Japanese racial superiority, especially in comparison to the other Asian cultures. However, Japan has formed close ties to American culture in both politics and entertainment. Despite their defeat in WWII, the Japanese do not foster strong feelings of resentment against individual Americans. In 1989, the Tokyo stock market crashed. Since this time the Japanese economy has been unable to stage a full recovery. The Japanese market continues to grow, but not nearly at the levels that it had been growing over the previous thirty-five years. China has just surpassed Japan as the world s second largest economy after the United States. There is reason for concern in Japan as both China and South Korea are currently undergoing periods of dramatic growth, and both countries harbor feelings of resentment towards the Japanese. One should not forget that the Japanese have exploited the other Asian countries in the past, and they now stand alone without a sizeable military. There is debate as to whether or not Japan should be allowed to reestablish their military. With the ever-existent tension between North and South Korea, and the weakening relationship between the United States and China, Eastern Asia has become an area of potential bloodshed. Japan has entered the twenty-first century as the dominant Asian power; however, it is doubtful that they will maintain that status half way through the century. What are the problems facing Japan today? Should the Japanese be allowed to have a military? Why or why not? (use points from the article as well as your knowledge of Global history)

1. The Japanese Emperor 天皇 (Tenno) means Emperor The traditional role of the Emperor in Japanese society. Unlike many other societies, the Japanese Emperor played a multi-faceted role in Japan.

3 1. The Japanese Emperor 天皇 (Tenno) means Emperor The traditional role of the Emperor in Japanese society. Unlike many other societies, the Japanese Emperor played a multi-faceted role in Japan. Not only was the supreme leader of Japan, he was also believed to be the descendant of a god. It ancient Japan, it was rare to ever see the Emperor. Even if on an extremely rare occasion you were in the presence of the Emperor, you were not allowed to make eye contact. This would be considered rude and even punishable by death. Before WWII: After WWII: Article 1. The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, deriving his position from the people, with whom resides sovereign (ruling) power.

4 2. Rights of the People Article 13. All of the people shall be respected as individuals. Their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall, be the supreme consideration in legislation. (laws) Article 14. All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin. Article 15. The people have the inalienable (absolute) right to choose their public officials and to dismiss them. Universal adult suffrage is guaranteed with regard to the election of public officials. Article 21. Freedom of assembly and association as well as speech, press and all other forms of expression are guaranteed. No censorship shall be maintained

5 3. Social Changes 父 father 女 woman 今 Now 男 man 以前 Before

6 4. Creation of Laws 以前 Before 今 Now

8 5. The Renunciation of War renounce- to give up 第九条日本国民は正義と秩序を基調とする国際平和を誠実に希求し国権の発動たる戦争と武力による威嚇又は武力の行使は国際紛争を解決する手段としては永久にこれを放棄する二前項の目的を達するため陸海空軍その他の戦力はこれを保持しない国の交戦権はこれを認めない Translation: Article 9. Renunciation of War Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. (2) In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency (hostile or aggressive behavior) of the state will not be recognized.

9 6. Japan s Economic Growth GNP- (Gross National Product) The total value of goods and services produced in a country over the course of one year s time.

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