The Rise of Modern Japan

Mark Ravina explores Japan's WWII motives and challenge to US power; He spotlights four officials who foresaw defeat and urged capitulation, plus the decisive 1945 Soviet attack.

US forces under MacArthur exonerate Japan's emperor to gain an ally in the Cold War; This misleads Japanese about war causes; Other controversial occupation decisions exist.

US occupation aids Japan's recovery through free trade, land reform, and political changes; Korean War boosts exports; These factors drive postwar economic growth.

1960 crisis over US treaty brings stability; PM Kishi's forceful tactics cause his fall but set precedent; Successors avoid his methods; This cements Japan's global position.

MITI plans Japan's growth, but success often defies it; Sony thrives despite MITI; Japanese industry adopts US-born practices like total quality management.

Misunderstood euphemism affects Nixon's Japan policy; "Nixon shocks" and oil embargo threaten Japan's economy; Japan adapts to new challenges.

Japan's films reflect changing times: postwar loss, '70s-'80s prosperity satires, '90s dark comedies on stagnation; Popular movies mirror societal shifts.

'80s Japan challenges US economy; Car industry excels, beating Detroit but Japan lags in software, highlighting limits to its dominance.

Japan's 1990s crash sees 75% value drop; Slump persists longer than US crashes; Public mood, ineffective responses from government, banks, and industry contribute.

Japan's crash causes job loss, crime, family stress; Film "Tokyo Sonata" shows unemployed man hiding job loss, joining others in daily charade.

Liberal Democratic Party dominates Japan's politics since WWII; Party succeeds in good and bad times; Left-wing rivals struggle to gain ground; LDP's resilience puzzles observers.

Japan's 3/11 earthquake triggers tsunami, Fukushima disaster; Like 9/11, impacts extend beyond immediate losses; Event poses ongoing challenges.