Post-World War II Relations: Japan's Gratitude towards the United States

Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese people do not harbor resentment towards the United States due to World War II. Instead, the common people embraced the American occupation with a sense of relief and gratitude. The war, which lasted for two generations, had led to death and destruction under the oppressive rule of their Emperor, who was seen as a symbol of their suffering.

Post-War Reconstruction and Economic Recovery

Following the war, Japan underwent significant changes. The American military intervention led to the removal of the Emperor's total authority, bringing about a more democratic epoch. While Germany was virtually in ruins, Japan faced a much lesser impact. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are often perceived as having caused unprecedented destruction. However, this belief is a common misconception.

Berlin, in Germany, suffered an estimated three times more damage than Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. Additionally, Tokyo, which had been heavily bombed through conventional means, faced significant destruction, more so than the two atomic bombs dropped in Japan. Furthermore, Japan had significant pre-war infrastructure that helped the country recover more quickly from the war.

Japan's Gratitude to the United States

The gratitude towards the United States is multifaceted. Before the war, Japan had been at war with Russia in 1904, and the emperor's rule had led to a continuous series of atrocities and brutalities on the mainland. World War II was merely a continuation of these historical events. With the arrival of the United States, economic opportunities emerged. American military bases became centers of economic activity, benefiting Japanese manufacturers who supplied them with goods.

Japan's economy grew rapidly, transcending previous levels of prosperity. The U.S. presence in Japan not only fostered economic growth but also introduced new industries, technologies, and management practices. This significant economic development helped Japan transform into a global economic powerhouse.

Challenges and Misconceptions

The role of the Emperor in World War II remains a contentious issue in Japan. The U.S. protection of the Emperor as a war criminal, allowing him to die in 1989 at the age of 87, has fueled debates. The emperor was seen as a symbol of Japan's national spirit, and his protection contributed to the rewiring of Japanese post-war nationalism.

Despite these challenges, many Japanese people view the U.S. occupation as a period of liberation from imperial rule. The American interventions and the ensuing occupation helped Japan rebuild and modernize. This perspective contrasts sharply with Germany, where the post-war devastation and hatred towards the occupying forces were much more profound. The U.S. did not divide Japan as they did with Germany, and they refrained from the extensive destruction of German infrastructure that was seen in Germany.

Insights from Historical Parables

Several historical parables illustrate the impact of war on different societies. One German parable states that a losing war leaves an army of mourners, an army of cripples, and an army of thieves. This metaphor aptly captures the devastating aftermath of war for Germany. In contrast, a family from the U.S. Air Force who were in Berlin after the war noted the significant number of limbless veterans, highlighting the physical and emotional traumas experienced during the conflict.

While these stories are compelling, they should be considered within the broader context of each country's recovery and transformation. For Japan, the U.S. occupation not only brought about economic prosperity but also facilitated the modernization of governance and societal structures, contributing to a different post-war trajectory.