The Political Situation Surrounding the “Trans-war Phenomenon” in Postwar Japan and the San Francisco Peace Treaty

The article analyzes the political transformation of Japan from the Meiji era through the postwar period, focusing on the enduring influence of emperor-centered nationalism and its impact on Japan’s democratization after World War II. It traces how the imperial system shaped prewar fascism and continued to affect postwar politics, particularly during the Allied occupation and the drafting of the new constitution. The study highlights the limited nature of Japan’s acceptance of war responsibility in the San Francisco Peace Treaty, noting that reparations and accountability were largely restricted to Allied Powers, with little acknowledgment of Asian victims. The treaty, negotiated under Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru, prioritized economic recovery and security cooperation with the United States, leading to the establishment of American military bases and the U.S.–Japan Security Pact. The article critiques the persistence of imperialist and conservative attitudes among Japanese leaders, which complicated reconciliation with neighboring Asian countries. It also discusses the internal and external debates over the treaty, the challenges of true democratization, and the legacy of unresolved historical issues in East Asia. Ultimately, the article argues that the San Francisco system institutionalized a new Pacific order centered on U.S. strategic interests, leaving many wartime legacies unaddressed.