US+Occupation+of+Japan+Post+WWII.2

Welcome to my Wikispace!! Read on to learn about the current situtation in Japan!
 * [[image:200.jpg width="140" height="187" align="right" caption="ME! (Harry S Truman)"]]Name:** Harry S. Truman
 * Age:** 124 yrs.
 * Hometown:** The White House
 * Occupation:** President of the USA
 * Birthday:** 5/ 8/ 84

//During a press conference concerning the// //U.S.// //occupation in// //Japan////, the president of the// //U.S.// //describes the current situation in// //Japan//…

“It has now been two years since the occupation of the Allied Powers in Japan began. The Allied Powers, through World War II, recognized how threatening Japanese troops are and decided to occupy the area in 1945 to help demilitarize and rebuild it.( “ American”) Although the U.S. avoided the war as much as possible, it is now the backbone of this occupation. It is essentially running the whole occupation. This is mostly due to General Douglas MacArthur. I have been communicating as much as necessary with General Douglas MacArthur, an American representative who has been named the Supreme Commander of the Occupation forces and has also been the main force behind the whole operation. (“Japan”) He reports that the efforts of the Allied powers to demilitarize and democratize Japan are very successful. Thus far, already they have created a new constitution, following in America’s footsteps by allowing equal suffrage and guaranteeing civil rights. (Danzer et al. 587) General MacArthur and his team are also helping the country move towards democracy in major ways, as is critical according to the new constitution. (“American”) The emperor has become stripped of any authority as well as military and political power; an emperor now must be only a symbol of the state. (“American”) This means that the power now rests within the hands of the people. A recent land reform has taken land away from major landlords and redistributed it to farmers. This was created with the intention of helping families become more independent economically and participating more freely in the democracy. (“American”) The occupation government is also using the media to spread knowledge about democracy in Japan. In addition, they are pushing for democratic ideas to be taught in school, and have already changed some family dynamics, making each family member more equal in power. (“American") A supreme political institution made up only of freely elected representatives of the people is also in the works for the Japanese government. (“American”) Another segment, Article 9, of the new constitution is quite important. Article 9 forbids Japan to conduct military practices or to lead a war ever again. (“American”) This is because all were able to witness Japan’s incredible power when they attacked the U.S. Many countries share in the belief that it would be best if Japan adopts a democratic government and never engages in war again. (“Japan”) This is the support for Article 9. A very rewarding aspect of this occupation is the cooperation of the Japanese people. Their open-mindedness to General MacArthur has been incredible. He says that it is because they have not had a real, legitimate leader or authoritative figure in years and welcome any sort of productive guidance in their country. (“American”) They follow General MacArthur even after being told to abolish their military. These people are ready for change and willing to make it happen. The future looks good for our continuing occupation in Japan.”