Japan in 1960 was insane.

Summary

In 1960, Japan faced a pivotal moment in its post-WWII history, caught between the ideals of democracy and the pressures of the Cold War. Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi's push for a new treaty with the US and constitutional changes sparked massive protests, reflecting a nation's struggle for identity. The year's events, including Kishi's resignation and the rise of Hayato Ikeda, who championed stability and economic growth over constitutional revision, shaped Japan's path towards a stable, US-aligned democracy with a lasting commitment to peace.

Takeaways

• 🌏 After WWII, the US aimed to rebuild and democratize Japan, leading to significant societal changes.
• 📜 The new Japanese constitution, influenced by the US, was notably progressive, including gender equality and workers' rights.
• ☮️ Article 9 of the constitution renounced war, reflecting a commitment to peace that remains a cornerstone of Japanese policy.
• 🔄 The onset of the Cold War shifted US priorities, leading to a reevaluation of Japan's role as a strategic ally against communism.
• 🇯🇵 The 1960s saw a pivotal moment in Japan's identity, with protests and political upheaval influencing the country's path.
• 🤝 The US-Japan Security Treaty was a point of contention, symbolizing both cooperation and a perceived loss of sovereignty for Japan.
• 🏛️ The Diet's dramatic scenes in 1960, including a physical confrontation over the treaty, highlighted the depth of the national identity crisis.
• 🔄 Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi's push for constitutional revision and remilitarization was met with fierce opposition, leading to his resignation.
• 🗣️ The assassination of Socialist Party leader Inejiro Asanuma marked a violent episode in Japan's political history and a turning point in public sentiment.
• 📈 Succeeding Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda's focus on economic growth and stability, rather than constitutional revision, shaped Japan's post-1960 political landscape.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the American occupation of Japan after World War II?

The primary goal of the American occupation was to rebuild Japan and transform it into a peaceful, democratic nation.

What significant changes were introduced by the new Japanese constitution post-WWII?

The new constitution established Japan as a liberal democracy, guaranteed equality between men and women, enshrined workers' rights to unionize, and included Article 9 which renounced war as a sovereign right.

How did the onset of the Cold War influence the American approach towards Japan?

The Cold War led to a shift from promoting a progressive democracy to needing a stable, friendly government and military base in Japan, resulting in the pardoning of war-era leaders and a move away from progressive policies.

What were the two core objectives of Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi?

Kishi's two core objectives were to revise the constitution to eliminate Article 9 and remilitarize Japan, and to renegotiate the humiliating treaty with America.

Why was the treaty renegotiation with America in 1960 so contentious in Japan?

The treaty renegotiation was contentious because it was seen as humiliating for Japan, allowing American military presence without a commitment to defend Japan, and it was linked to Kishi's unpopular push to revise the constitution.

What was the outcome of the massive protests in Japan against the treaty and Kishi's policies in 1960?

The protests led to Kishi's resignation and the cancellation of President Eisenhower's visit to Japan. However, the treaty was still ratified, representing a victory for the conservative faction.

How did the political landscape in Japan change after the 1960 protests?

The political landscape became more polarized, with the left and right factions further entrenching their positions. The Socialist Party gained popularity, while the LDP, under Hayato Ikeda, shifted towards more moderate policies.

What was the significance of Hayato Ikeda's policies and leadership after the 1960s?

Ikeda's leadership marked a move towards stability and economic prosperity, with a focus on doubling Japan's national income and maintaining Article 9 of the constitution. His policies contributed to Japan's economic growth and a more consultative legislative culture.

What was the impact of the 1960 political events on Japan's long-term political stability?

The events of 1960 led to a more stable political environment dominated by the LDP, with a focus on economic growth and a less confrontational legislative approach, but also resulted in limited political choice and a reduction in large-scale protests.

How does the script describe the tradeoff between political opportunity and stability in Japan's post-1960 era?

The script describes Japan's choice as prioritizing stability and economic prosperity over political opportunity, leading to a system with narrow political horizons and less public dissent, but still fundamentally democratic.