World history/WHME103/Reconstruction/Japan

Reading

Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur, at their first meeting, at the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, 27 September 1945

Read the below article. As you do so, consider the following questions:

• What changes were instituted during the Allied Occupation of Japan?

• What changes to women's rights occurred in Japan under the Allied Occupation?

Bill Gordon, 'The Allied Occupation of Japan', May 2000.

After World War II, Japan's pacifist constitution banned the waging of war as a means to settle international disputes. In September 2016, however, the Japanese parliament passed controversial legislation allowing Japanese troops to fight overseas, despite massive protests. Do you agree with this change? Post your thoughts on our OERu course forum on this topic: Japan and Pacifism.