quick look on Japanese history (6) Showa, Heisei period| History

quick look on Japanese history (6) Showa, Heisei period

(13) Showa period (1926-1989)

Showa period was the time of turbulent.

Japan strongly supported Machu to be independent from China and establish the Manchu Empire in 1932.

Japan also professed the greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere which aimed Japan would become the core of the alliance between east Asian and east-south Asian nations and liberate those nations from American and European imperialism.

In opposition to these Asian movements, American and European nations stuck to their vested interests and in 1941 August imposed economic sanction against Japan which was called ABCD encirclement. ABCD stands for America, Britain, China and Dutch.

Japan could not endure oil embargo and indiscreetly opened the war against America in 1941 December.

Japan was defeated by poor strategy and undetermined leadership and also American’s overwhelming fighting power. Japan accepted Potsdam Declaration and Japanese Army surrendered in 1945 August.

Japan was occupied by the allied nations for the first time in her long history. Japan was forced to accept the military tribunal for Far East which was the unilateral trial that the winner judged the loser.

However after the regaining of sovereignty, Japan became a member of western bloc against communism and put most energy on recovering economy. Japan made dramatic recovery and economic growth which enabled Japan to enjoy the world most competitive and sophisticated economy and also rich and peaceful daily life.

Showa Emperor lived the time of turbulent with the people of the nation and died at 87.

Tokyo tower built in 1958 Tokyo Olympic in 1964 cars to be exported ( photo from kyodo)

(14) Heisei period (1989-? )

Heisei began with the burst of bubbly economy which told Japanese continuous economic growth had finally ended. After the dream of catching up and overtaking Western nations had come true, Japan lost the national goal and has been wandering for many years. Japan is also struggling with the issue of declining birth rate and aging society, as the world front runner on the issues.

However, Japan has long traditional history and culture, also well organized society, and most advanced technology in many fields such as energy saving technology or sophisticated infrastructures.

After many years’ political turmoil, we finally has had reliable Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo. Under his strong leadership, Japan is getting up again for establishing a sustainable circulating economy and well ordered peaceful society, by utilizing hereditary culture and advanced technology.