History
The Allied Occupation of Japan follows the period shortly after the surrender of Japan, the occupation lasted from September 2, 1945 to April 28, 1952. This time period is marked by a series of reforms with the goal to change Japan from a militarist government to democratic. During this period U.S. General Douglas MacArthur was given the title Supreme Commander of the Allied Power (SCAP), making him the highest authority in Japan. However, this term was used interchangeably with others throughout the entire organization. This position was also referred to as the GHQ (General Headquarters). This organization was made up of officials sent from Washington, and military officers who worked with the Japanese government to create and institute reforms.
The goal of the occupation is not one that is widely debated as it has been stated in the surrender documents. In the “U.S. Initial Post-Surrender Policy for Japan (SWNCC150/4/A)” it outlines the ultimate objective for the occupation:
(a) To insure that Japan will not again become a menace to the United States or to the peace and security of the world. (b) To bring about the eventual establishment of a peaceful and responsible government which will respect the rights of other states and will support the objectives of the United States as reflected in the ideals and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The United States desires that this government should conform as closely as may be to principles of democratic self-government but it is not the responsibility of the Allied Powers to impose upon Japan any form of government not supported by the freely expressed will of the people. These objectives will be achieved by the following principal means: (a) Japan's sovereignty will be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor outlying islands as may be determined, in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and other agreements to which the United States is or may be a party. (b) Japan will be completely disarmed and demilitarized. The authority of the militarists and the influence of militarism will be totally eliminated from her political, economic and social life. Institutions expressive of the spirit of militarism and aggression will be vigorously suppressed. (c) The Japanese people shall be encouraged to develop a desire for individual liberties and respect for fundamental human rights, particularly the freedoms of religion, assembly, speech, and the press. They shall also be encouraged to form democratic and representative organizations. (d) The Japanese people shall be afforded opportunity to develop for themselves an economy which will permit the peacetime requirements of the population to be met. [2]
Alongside, this document were two others. These documents all together that laid the groundwork for all the reforms that were going to be enacted. The Potsdam Declaration, “United States Initial Post Surrender Policy Relating to Japan”, and the third being a directive sent to the supreme commander elaborating on the post surrender policy. However, after the occupation was said and done there was more than just the original goals that had come under the occupations reforms. Among the reforms, politics, education, and economics were the main focuses, but others such as police reform and the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Force were also enacted. [3]
