keywords: post wwii japan, japanese people, japanese culture, the national diet, manufacturing, farming
Synopsis: Documenting a time period between 1945 and 1952 with scenes of Japanese soldiers returning home, the cities and rural areas of Japan, the Japanese people, and the rebirth of a democratic Japanese Government and Japan's industry... (read more)
With America's help the defeated Japanese people was able to turn Japan into a democratic and peace loving nation after WWII. Shows Japanese pow's (prisoners of war) on troops ship arriving in Japan and being greeted by their families and friends.
American technicians joined the Japanese people in combating the menace of diseases from lack of safe drinking water and all sources of food. The health of the Japanese people were the first concern in rebuilding the nation. Shows Health clinics that were established and treatment and examination of Japanese men, women, and children. Japanese nurses and technicians were trained.
Equally urgent was food to feed the Japanese people. Japanese farmers cultivating all available areas that could be used to grow food. Changes were made in land ownership allowing farmers to purchase land and receive a deed. Shows Japanese fishermen. Industrial plants began to produce civilian goods for local consumption and trade.
Scenes of automobile and truck manufacturing plant. The railroads were repaired and public transportation back into operation. Scenes of shipyards and the building of ships. Shows a cargo ship with the skyline of New York City in the background. Japanese trade show in an American city with displays of consumer goods and products.
Universities, trade schools, libraries were opened to all. Team sports was encouraged. News papers were printed, free speech welcomed, and the people were able to vote and elect members of the Diet in the post war years. The Emperor of Japan is the symbol of the state with limited powers. Scenes of the Japanese National Diet. The new order had established a Supreme Court that was free of bias and pressure and a new police force to maintain law and order.
Shows elected leaders of Japan visiting the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. Japan joins UNESCO. Japanese leaders attend UN Peace Conference in San Francisco California where President Truman appeared.