Post-Occupation Japan

Table of contents

1 Emergence of Japan 2 Growth of Japan 3 Events (1970s) 4 Events (1980s)

Emergence of Japan

The Allied occupation ended on April 28, 1952, when the terms of the Treaty of San Francisco went into effect. By the terms of the treaty, Japan regained its sovereignty, but lost many of its possessions from before World War II, including Okinawa, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and a number of small islands in the Pacific.

The new treaty also gave Japan the freedom to engage in international defense blocs. Japan did this on the same day it signed the San Francisco Treaty: Yoshida Shigeru and Harry Truman penned a document that allowed the United States Armed Forces to continue their use of bases in Japan.

Two years later, Japan established its postwar military, the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Growth of Japan

In 1964, Japan staged the Olympic games in Tokyo. Many Japanese historians cite this event as the turning point for Japan following the war: it showcased the country's remarkable economic recovery on an international stage, and brought attention back to the most developed country in Asia. Japan's shining new bullet trains gave the country a futuristic look.

In 1965, the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea is signed. Sin-Itiro Tomonaga receives the Nobel Prize in Physics.

In 1968, amid controversy, a nuclear aircraft carrier Enterprise arrived in Sasebo. The itai-itai disease is formally recognize as a public hazard disease. Ogasawara Islands reverted back under Japanese control. Kawabata Yasunari received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Three hundred million Yen was stolen by a man disguised as a policeman and is still on the run as of 2003.

In 1969, the meeting between the prime minister Sato and the president Nixon was held and the date of return for Okinawa is set on 1972.

Events (1970s)

In 1970 the World Exposition was held in Osaka.

In 1972, Okinawa was repatriated to Japan.

Events (1980s)

In 1980, Japan's car production tops 10 million cars a year, making Japan the largest car producer in the world over USA. Yomiuri Giant's Oh Sadaharu ends his career.

In 1981, Kenichi Fukui received Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

In 1982, the Tohoku Shinkansen was extended to Morioka from Omiya.

In 1983, Miyakejima's volcano exploded but entire population of the island was successfully evacuated beforehand. In the Asuka-mura's Kitora Kofun, colored wallpainting of Genmu was discovered. Tanaka Kakuei was sentenced to 4 years in jail.

In 1984, the Guriko company was targeted by the extortionist who threatened to poison its product for the sum of 60 million yen and later 120 million yen. Before this, the president of Guriko was kidnapped and 10 billion yen and 100 kg of gold was demanded as a ransom before he escaped by himself. New 10,000 yen (Fukuzawa Yukichi on the face), 5,000 yen (Nitobe Inazou), and 1,000 yen (Natsume Souseki) bills were released.

In 1985, the first AIDS patient is officially recognized. Japan Airlines flight 123 crashed in Omitaka-yama causing 520 deaths and only 4 survivors in one of the largest aircraft related casualty.

In 1986, Mihara-yama exploded.

In 1987, Japanese National Railways was divided into privately owned JRs (Japan Railway) separated by regions. Actor Ishihara Yujiro died.

In 1988, the Seikan Tunnel connecting Hokkaido with Honshu was completed. A submarine, the Nadashio, clashed with fishing vessel Dai Ichi Fujimaru.

In 1989, at 6:33 AM on January 7th, the Showa Emperor died. The following day, Akihito ascended to the throne and the new reign name 'Heisei' was declared. Osamu Tezuka died. A consumption tax was instated amid a large controversy. Misora Hibari died.

See also: Yanai Shinsaku