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About
Discover how a nation devastated by World War II engineered an economic miracle only to face new challenges in a complex, modern world. Get the inside story of a remarkable transformation.
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Episodes
1 to 3 of 12
1. Japan's Global War Vision Unravels
30m
Explore the complex motives that led Japan into World War II and its risky challenge of American power. Professor Mark Ravina focusses on four Japanese officials who foresaw defeat in early 1944 and unsuccessfully urged the emperor to capitulate. Study the massive, decisive attack by the Soviet Union on Japanese forces in August 1945, roughly simultaneous with the US dropping of the atomic bombs.
2. How the US Occupation Remade Japan, 1945–1952
34m
Probe the reasoning that led US occupying forces, headed by General Douglas MacArthur, to exonerate the Japanese emperor from any responsibility for his country's conduct in World War II. Part of an American strategy for making Japan an ally in the Cold War, the policy misled ordinary Japanese about the causes of the war. Also, learn about other controversial decisions of the occupation.
3. The Japanese Economic Miracle: Empire 2.0
33m
How did postwar Japan go from utter devastation and poverty to astonishing prosperity? Focus on the role of American occupation authorities in setting up Japan for success, both by design and by accident. See how the promotion of free trade and land reform paved the way for growth; political reform encouraged new blood and new ideas; and the Korean War provided a windfall of export opportunities.
4. Japan's Civil Society Protests of 1960
32m
Focus on the 1960 political crisis over a new security treaty with the US that ironically brought an era of stability to Japanese politics. Then-prime minister Kishi Nobusuke used dictatorial methods to outflank leftist opponents, causing his own downfall, but also establishing a rule for his successors: Don't be "Kishi." The outcome helped cement Japan's place in the international order.
5. Japan Inc. and Its Upstart Challengers
30m
Investigate the causes of the Japanese economic miracle, especially the planning role of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Observe that market success sometimes came in spite of the MITI-as with an upstart electronics company called Sony. Look at total quality management and other practices identified with Japanese industry, which in fact originated in the United States.
6. Japan Faces the Nixon Shocks: China and Gold
28m
Learn how a misunderstood Japanese euphemism shaped US President Richard Nixon's relationship with Japan, leading to policies that Japanese officials dubbed the "Nixon shocks," notably the ending of the gold standard and America's reproachment with China. Combined with the 1973 Arab oil embargo, these measures threatened Japan's economic and strategic position. Discover how the nation coped.
Extended Details
- SeriesRise of Modern Japan
- Closed CaptionsEnglish