The most surprising factor in the post-surrender situation has been the freedom of most Japanese from rancor and resentment against the conquerors. This has been in large measure due to the fact that the surrender was made in the name of the emperor. Because the militarists had taught the people to believe blindly in the emperor, he was able not only to assure acceptance of the capitulation by the army as well as by the civilian population, but also, by assuming responsibility for the decision, to free the individual Japanese from any personal sense of shame over defeat or guilt at having surrendered. Learning for the first time the true story of recent events in Japan and the Far East, the average Japanese realized that he had been the dupe of his own army and political leaders. With admirable objectivity, he saw that Japanese militarists, rather than American soldiers, were to blame for Japan’s sorry plight. Unquestionably, many Japanese will never be reconciled to defeat, but the great majority are showing an astonishing readiness to cooperate sincerely with their conquerors and to establish relations of friendship with their former foes.
Another important factor in the rehabilitation of Japan has been the energy and resourcefulness of the people. Under the guidance of the occupying forces, they have set themselves to the rebuilding of their stricken land with determination. Despite a critical food shortage during the late spring and summer of 1946, they have done much to check the forces of economic disintegration, which came as an inevitable aftermath of defeat. The devastated cities of Japan are being rebuilt; attempts are being made to remedy the
