American Occupation
Policies in
Post-War Japan

“The individual Japanese [citizen] is to have such freedom as he never has known before. General MacArthur has ordered the Japanese Government to provide for freedom of speech, of press, of assembly, and of worship. ‘Thought control’ by the secret police is to be a thing of the past. Political parties, including a Communist Party, may organize. Universal suffrage is to be allowed, which means that women may have the vote for the first time. Press and radio are to be free of Government influence and financing.”

Click here to read about August 28, 1945 – the day the occupation began.