The Birth Of Japan's Postwar Constitution

The Birth Of Japan's Postwar Constitution

Author: Koseki Shoichi

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-02-01

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0429965354

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This 1989 Yoshino Sakuzo prize-winning book is essential reading for understanding Japans postwar constitution, political and social history, and foreign policy. In this, the most complete English account of the origins of Japans Constitution, the author presents new interpretations of the behind-the-scenes actors who shaped the Japanese Constitution: the petulant General Douglas MacArthur, Japanese defenders of the conservative order, Japanese liberal and socialist reformers, and moderate Allies sitting on the Far Eastern Commission. }This 1989 Yoshino Sakuzo prize-winning book is essential reading for understanding Japans postwar constitution, political and social history, and foreign policy. The most complete English account of the origins of Japans constitution, it analyzes the dramatic events of 19451946 that lead to the birth of Japans new constitution. Koseki Shoichi challenges t he simplicity of the current interpretation that General Douglas MacArthur in February 1946, faced with inept Japanese efforts at constitutional reform and Soviet interference through the Far Eastern Commission, secretly ordered his staff to write a constitution in seven days and then imposed it on Japan. Differentiating between the adoption procedure and the framing process, the author argues that the latter was varied, complicated, and rich, going beyond the actions of two nations and their representatives. It involved the clash of legal ideas, the conflicting efforts of individuals of different cultures and different political persuasions, and significant contributions by people with no connection to government.Drawing on Japanese, American, and Australian archives as well as recent scholarly research, Koseki presents new and stimulating interpretations of MacArthurs actions, the Ashida amendment of Article 9, Yoshidas role, and much more. Criticizing Japanese conservative defenders of the old order, he explores Japanese liberal and socialist ideas on constitutional reform and reevaluates the Far Eastern Commissions influence on MacArthurs policies and on the shaping of the basic principles of Japans antiwar constitution. }


Book Synopsis The Birth Of Japan's Postwar Constitution by : Koseki Shoichi

Download or read book The Birth Of Japan's Postwar Constitution written by Koseki Shoichi and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-02-01 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 1989 Yoshino Sakuzo prize-winning book is essential reading for understanding Japans postwar constitution, political and social history, and foreign policy. In this, the most complete English account of the origins of Japans Constitution, the author presents new interpretations of the behind-the-scenes actors who shaped the Japanese Constitution: the petulant General Douglas MacArthur, Japanese defenders of the conservative order, Japanese liberal and socialist reformers, and moderate Allies sitting on the Far Eastern Commission. }This 1989 Yoshino Sakuzo prize-winning book is essential reading for understanding Japans postwar constitution, political and social history, and foreign policy. The most complete English account of the origins of Japans constitution, it analyzes the dramatic events of 19451946 that lead to the birth of Japans new constitution. Koseki Shoichi challenges t he simplicity of the current interpretation that General Douglas MacArthur in February 1946, faced with inept Japanese efforts at constitutional reform and Soviet interference through the Far Eastern Commission, secretly ordered his staff to write a constitution in seven days and then imposed it on Japan. Differentiating between the adoption procedure and the framing process, the author argues that the latter was varied, complicated, and rich, going beyond the actions of two nations and their representatives. It involved the clash of legal ideas, the conflicting efforts of individuals of different cultures and different political persuasions, and significant contributions by people with no connection to government.Drawing on Japanese, American, and Australian archives as well as recent scholarly research, Koseki presents new and stimulating interpretations of MacArthurs actions, the Ashida amendment of Article 9, Yoshidas role, and much more. Criticizing Japanese conservative defenders of the old order, he explores Japanese liberal and socialist ideas on constitutional reform and reevaluates the Far Eastern Commissions influence on MacArthurs policies and on the shaping of the basic principles of Japans antiwar constitution. }


MacArthur's Japanese Constitution

MacArthur's Japanese Constitution

Author: Kyoko Inoue

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 1991-02

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 9780226383910

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The Japanese constitution as revised by General MacArthur in 1946, while generally regarded to be an outstanding basis for a liberal democracy, is at the same time widely considered to be—in its Japanese form—an document which is alien and incompatible with Japanese culture. Using both linguistics and historical data, Kyoto Inoue argues that despite the inclusion of alien concepts and ideas, this constitution is nonetheless fundamentally a Japanese document that can stand on its own. "This is an important book. . . . This is the most significant work on postwar Japanese constitutional history to appear in the West. It is highly instructive about the century-long process of cultural conflict in the evolution of government and society in modern Japan."—Thomas W. Burkman, Monumenta Nipponica


Book Synopsis MacArthur's Japanese Constitution by : Kyoko Inoue

Download or read book MacArthur's Japanese Constitution written by Kyoko Inoue and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 1991-02 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Japanese constitution as revised by General MacArthur in 1946, while generally regarded to be an outstanding basis for a liberal democracy, is at the same time widely considered to be—in its Japanese form—an document which is alien and incompatible with Japanese culture. Using both linguistics and historical data, Kyoto Inoue argues that despite the inclusion of alien concepts and ideas, this constitution is nonetheless fundamentally a Japanese document that can stand on its own. "This is an important book. . . . This is the most significant work on postwar Japanese constitutional history to appear in the West. It is highly instructive about the century-long process of cultural conflict in the evolution of government and society in modern Japan."—Thomas W. Burkman, Monumenta Nipponica


The Price of a Constitution

The Price of a Constitution

Author: Tetsuya Kataoka

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 9780844817149

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An account of the origin of Japan's post-war regime and the imposition of the "no war" constitution. The book argues that Japan's economic miracle has been a compensatory response to its deprived political status.


Book Synopsis The Price of a Constitution by : Tetsuya Kataoka

Download or read book The Price of a Constitution written by Tetsuya Kataoka and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 1991 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An account of the origin of Japan's post-war regime and the imposition of the "no war" constitution. The book argues that Japan's economic miracle has been a compensatory response to its deprived political status.


Partners for Democracy

Partners for Democracy

Author: Ray A. Moore

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 9780195171761

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In 1945 Emperor Hirohito signed Japan's unconditional surrender to the United States and its allies. Tackling a timely subject this work takes the controversial stand that the constitution of Japan was not imposed as a document of defeat.


Book Synopsis Partners for Democracy by : Ray A. Moore

Download or read book Partners for Democracy written by Ray A. Moore and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2004 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1945 Emperor Hirohito signed Japan's unconditional surrender to the United States and its allies. Tackling a timely subject this work takes the controversial stand that the constitution of Japan was not imposed as a document of defeat.


The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution

The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution

Author: Theodore McNelly

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13:

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In The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution, Theodore McNelly describes and analyzes the American draft of Japan's postwar constitution, Japanese influences on the document, and its adoption by the Imperial Diet. Providing a general overview of the process of the enactment of the democratic constitution in Japan, McNelly then analyzes conflicts among rival Japanese groups, the effects of the war-ban provision on Japan's security, and General MacArthur's shifting views on the achievement of world peace. The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution addresses the argument regarding U.S. 'imposition' of the constitution on Japan with emphasis on the origins of the 'no-war, no-arms' clause as well as the ideological, strategic, and historical background of the clause. Written by a former member of MacArthur's staff in Tokyo, this book will be of interest to the general reader as well as specialists seeking hitherto unpublished information and interpretations of this significant historical event.


Book Synopsis The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution by : Theodore McNelly

Download or read book The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution written by Theodore McNelly and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution, Theodore McNelly describes and analyzes the American draft of Japan's postwar constitution, Japanese influences on the document, and its adoption by the Imperial Diet. Providing a general overview of the process of the enactment of the democratic constitution in Japan, McNelly then analyzes conflicts among rival Japanese groups, the effects of the war-ban provision on Japan's security, and General MacArthur's shifting views on the achievement of world peace. The Origins of Japan's Democratic Constitution addresses the argument regarding U.S. 'imposition' of the constitution on Japan with emphasis on the origins of the 'no-war, no-arms' clause as well as the ideological, strategic, and historical background of the clause. Written by a former member of MacArthur's staff in Tokyo, this book will be of interest to the general reader as well as specialists seeking hitherto unpublished information and interpretations of this significant historical event.


Japan'S Postwar History

Japan'S Postwar History

Author: Gary D Allinson

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-05-09

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 1000947033

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First Published in 1997. This comprehensive survey of Japan's post-war history integrates analysis of political, economic, and social topics. It presents the rapid, complex and sometimes contradictory evolution of Japan in an enviably clear style and provides an unrivalled textbook for students seeking a balanced and accessible introduction to modern Japan. The outcome of nearly 30 years’ experience of teaching, researching, and writing Japanese history, Japan's Post-war History offers an analysis of political relationships, institutions and behaviour at local, national and inter­national levels. Economic aspects of Japan's recent history receive equal attention and the dramatic changes that have taken place in the agricultural, manufacturing and service industries are examined within the context of Japan's role as an international trading power. Material standards of living, the behaviour of Japanese as consumers, and the gradual shift in the role of women are also investigated. Given the deep-seated continuities between pre- and post-war Japan, the book also examines in detail the thirteen years before 1945 which imparted many legacies that have profoundly influenced contemporary Japan.


Book Synopsis Japan'S Postwar History by : Gary D Allinson

Download or read book Japan'S Postwar History written by Gary D Allinson and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-05-09 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First Published in 1997. This comprehensive survey of Japan's post-war history integrates analysis of political, economic, and social topics. It presents the rapid, complex and sometimes contradictory evolution of Japan in an enviably clear style and provides an unrivalled textbook for students seeking a balanced and accessible introduction to modern Japan. The outcome of nearly 30 years’ experience of teaching, researching, and writing Japanese history, Japan's Post-war History offers an analysis of political relationships, institutions and behaviour at local, national and inter­national levels. Economic aspects of Japan's recent history receive equal attention and the dramatic changes that have taken place in the agricultural, manufacturing and service industries are examined within the context of Japan's role as an international trading power. Material standards of living, the behaviour of Japanese as consumers, and the gradual shift in the role of women are also investigated. Given the deep-seated continuities between pre- and post-war Japan, the book also examines in detail the thirteen years before 1945 which imparted many legacies that have profoundly influenced contemporary Japan.


Embracing Defeat

Embracing Defeat

Author: John W Dower

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Published: 2000-07-04

Total Pages: 692

ISBN-13: 9780393320275

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This study of modern Japan traces the impact of defeat and reconstruction on every aspect of Japan's national life. It examines the economic resurgence as well as how the nation as a whole reacted to defeat and the end of a suicidal nationalism.


Book Synopsis Embracing Defeat by : John W Dower

Download or read book Embracing Defeat written by John W Dower and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2000-07-04 with total page 692 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study of modern Japan traces the impact of defeat and reconstruction on every aspect of Japan's national life. It examines the economic resurgence as well as how the nation as a whole reacted to defeat and the end of a suicidal nationalism.


We, the Japanese People

We, the Japanese People

Author: Dale M. Hellegers

Publisher: Stanford University Press

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 440

ISBN-13: 9780804780322

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This is the definitive story of how the United States attempted to turn Japan into a democratic and peace-loving nation by drafting a new constitution for its former enemy--and then pretending that the Japanese had written it. Based on scores of interviews with participants in the process, as well as exhaustive research in Japanese and American records, the book explores in vivid detail the thinking and intentions behind the drafting of the constitution. Confusion and strife marked planning for the democratization of Japan, first in Washington, then in occupied Tokyo. Policy makers in the State, War, and Navy departments, the Joint Chiefs, and the White House contended bitterly over how to devise an "unconditional surrender" that would minimize Allied casualties while according the victor supreme authority over a soundly defeated Japan. By war's end, there were still no firm guidelines on a host of crucial issues, including how the Japanese system of government could be made acceptably democratic. The first months of occupation were chaotic, with General MacArthur organizing his staff around loyal followers and edging out experts sent from Washington. Hampered by a narrow interpretation of the terms of surrender and wishful thinking about Japanese compliance with American expectations, MacArthur set in motion a fiasco. Because of a translator's error, Prince Konoye, three-time Prime Minister of Japan, thought MacArthur had entrusted him with revising the Japanese constitution and assembled a staff of constitutional law experts and set to work. However, conservatives in the Japanese cabinet denounced his efforts and produced their own version, which MacArthur found unacceptable. MacArthur then secretly instructed his staff, with its very limited knowledge of either Japan or constitutional law, to draft a new Japanese constitution, which amazingly they did in a week's time. Expecting approval of its own draft, the Japanese cabinet was stunned when presented with a completely different American document. So unrelenting was the pressure exerted by MacArthur's officers that it was clear to members of the cabinet they had no choice but to adopt the American draft more or less intact, and publish it as their own. Because of the broad range of its meticulous research, the book will be a standard reference not only for students of Japanese history but also for legal scholars, diplomatic historians, and political scientists.


Book Synopsis We, the Japanese People by : Dale M. Hellegers

Download or read book We, the Japanese People written by Dale M. Hellegers and published by Stanford University Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the definitive story of how the United States attempted to turn Japan into a democratic and peace-loving nation by drafting a new constitution for its former enemy--and then pretending that the Japanese had written it. Based on scores of interviews with participants in the process, as well as exhaustive research in Japanese and American records, the book explores in vivid detail the thinking and intentions behind the drafting of the constitution. Confusion and strife marked planning for the democratization of Japan, first in Washington, then in occupied Tokyo. Policy makers in the State, War, and Navy departments, the Joint Chiefs, and the White House contended bitterly over how to devise an "unconditional surrender" that would minimize Allied casualties while according the victor supreme authority over a soundly defeated Japan. By war's end, there were still no firm guidelines on a host of crucial issues, including how the Japanese system of government could be made acceptably democratic. The first months of occupation were chaotic, with General MacArthur organizing his staff around loyal followers and edging out experts sent from Washington. Hampered by a narrow interpretation of the terms of surrender and wishful thinking about Japanese compliance with American expectations, MacArthur set in motion a fiasco. Because of a translator's error, Prince Konoye, three-time Prime Minister of Japan, thought MacArthur had entrusted him with revising the Japanese constitution and assembled a staff of constitutional law experts and set to work. However, conservatives in the Japanese cabinet denounced his efforts and produced their own version, which MacArthur found unacceptable. MacArthur then secretly instructed his staff, with its very limited knowledge of either Japan or constitutional law, to draft a new Japanese constitution, which amazingly they did in a week's time. Expecting approval of its own draft, the Japanese cabinet was stunned when presented with a completely different American document. So unrelenting was the pressure exerted by MacArthur's officers that it was clear to members of the cabinet they had no choice but to adopt the American draft more or less intact, and publish it as their own. Because of the broad range of its meticulous research, the book will be a standard reference not only for students of Japanese history but also for legal scholars, diplomatic historians, and political scientists.


Democratizing Japan

Democratizing Japan

Author: Robert E. Ward

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press

Published: 2019-03-31

Total Pages: 571

ISBN-13: 0824880722

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The value of this book resides in the interweaving of Japanese and American scholarship and viewpoints on a number of aspects of the total Occupation experience that are of critical importance to a historical explanation of its accomplishments or shortfalls. Attention is given to the new constitution of 1946-1947, the most fundamental institutional change wrought by the Occupation's major programs of institutional and procedural reform and the formation and early development of the conservative and reformist parties.


Book Synopsis Democratizing Japan by : Robert E. Ward

Download or read book Democratizing Japan written by Robert E. Ward and published by University of Hawaii Press. This book was released on 2019-03-31 with total page 571 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The value of this book resides in the interweaving of Japanese and American scholarship and viewpoints on a number of aspects of the total Occupation experience that are of critical importance to a historical explanation of its accomplishments or shortfalls. Attention is given to the new constitution of 1946-1947, the most fundamental institutional change wrought by the Occupation's major programs of institutional and procedural reform and the formation and early development of the conservative and reformist parties.


The Quest for Japan's New Constitution

The Quest for Japan's New Constitution

Author: Christian G. Winkler

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 0415593964

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This book examines the many attempts over the last three decades to revise Japan’s constitution. As the book shows, these attempts at revision have been relatively conservative, aiming to embed in the constitution visions of a different future for Japan. Specific reforms advocated include: enabling Japan to have a more proactive foreign policy, more independent of the US-Japan alliance; strengthening the role of the Emperor, and excluding female succession to the throne; and emphasising more citizens’ duties, rather than their rights, in order to strengthen community and societal cohesion. By far the most comprehensive analysis of constitutional reform debate in Japan to be published to date, it offers translations and analysis of more than two dozen amendment proposals. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the details of the reform proposals, charts the so far unsuccessful attempts to bring about the reforms, discusses the different groups arguing for reform, and assesses the nature of the proposed reforms. It categorises different versions of the vision for Japan’s future and shows that only a few campaigners are advocating anything like a return to Japan’s pre-war constitution.


Book Synopsis The Quest for Japan's New Constitution by : Christian G. Winkler

Download or read book The Quest for Japan's New Constitution written by Christian G. Winkler and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2011 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the many attempts over the last three decades to revise Japan’s constitution. As the book shows, these attempts at revision have been relatively conservative, aiming to embed in the constitution visions of a different future for Japan. Specific reforms advocated include: enabling Japan to have a more proactive foreign policy, more independent of the US-Japan alliance; strengthening the role of the Emperor, and excluding female succession to the throne; and emphasising more citizens’ duties, rather than their rights, in order to strengthen community and societal cohesion. By far the most comprehensive analysis of constitutional reform debate in Japan to be published to date, it offers translations and analysis of more than two dozen amendment proposals. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the details of the reform proposals, charts the so far unsuccessful attempts to bring about the reforms, discusses the different groups arguing for reform, and assesses the nature of the proposed reforms. It categorises different versions of the vision for Japan’s future and shows that only a few campaigners are advocating anything like a return to Japan’s pre-war constitution.