Kingston – Chap 1: Transformations after WWII
Introduction
Major events what were they called
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1945-52
Late 50s thru 60s
1970s
1980s
1990s to present
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The movement of population during this time period, especially 50s thru 60s mirrors the current
events and activities of China today. Why did the population move? As cities grew what was
the infrastructure impact?
Note the increased rights of women, however note the word “nominally”, what does this imply?
We will be returning to this.
What was egalitarian about this period? Keep this in mind when we talk about the last decade.
Television has become so pervasive in Japan that its hard to go into a home and not see one on
much of the time, especially when housewives are home alone. – so connected and so not.
Note the remarks on Prime Minister Kishi’s connection with Japan of 1931-45. What does this
imply about our cold war ally? Might it also hint at why China and much of Asia is still a bit
suspicious of Japan? Most Americans are totally unaware of this or the massive anti US-Japan
Security Treaty demonstrations of 1960.
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Poster potential – comparison of Japan in 50s and 60s to China in the 90s and 00s
Occupation of 1945-52
 SCAP was the means by which the US ruled Japan. Who was the dominating presence during
this era (sometimes referred to as the American Shogun)?
 How was demilitarization accomplished?
 What was the food situation during this period?
 What happened to unions during this period and why?
 How fair was the war crimes tribunal?
 How was the Japanese constitution instituted?
 To what extent were wartime bureaucrats and industrialists effected during this period?
 How did the Cold War effect things?
 How important was Land Reform?
Politics
 What was the 1955 system? (also the basis for the iron triangle) When did it end?
 Why did the people accept this system for so long?
Foreign Policy
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One for the first things that the JSP party did when it obtained power in a coalition with the LDP
in the 1990s was to accept the presence of US bases in Japan and drop their opposition to
Japan’s Self Defense force. Is this at all surprising?
When and how did Japan normalize relations with South Korea? What about China?
What is ODA and how did it fit into Foreign Policy?
Economy
 What did the US do to help rebuild Japan?
 What was the 1940 system and why was it important?
 Notice how the 1960s boom are described especially government participation. Keep this in
mind when we look at China during the present time. Also look at trade issues and the value of
the Yen.
 Does the 1985-1989 post Plaza Accords bubble sound familiar to current events in the US?
What happened?
 Why has the Japan’s economic malaise lasted so long?
 Has Japan tried to protect unprofitable or “sunset” industries during this time? Has it been
helpful?
Heisei Transformations
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How does Japan feel about risk? Might this explain something about the lack of individualism in
Japan?
What solution did old guard from the Iron Triangle offer in regards to risk?
Who is the risk being shifted onto? What does jiko seknin mean? Has there been a backlash?
Why?
Is there also evidence here that industry was also adverse to risk? Do you think the Japanese
economy has been fully open to outside competition?
Notice how many different types of risk Japan faces – economic, foreign, demographic,
immigration, environmental, social…
What does the example of many boats of different sizes and qualities rowing in different
directions refer to?
What does Kingston mean by the statement that reforms will not “solve” Japan’s problems but
they will mitigate them? Any thoughts?
Note how Kingston keeps telling us that the 2009 is a game changer. Hate to pour cold water on
this, but these great changes have yet to occur. This week’s Economist raises questions about
continuing political problems in Japan despite the DPJ being in power.