After its defeat in World War II, Japan was occupied by Allied forces, primarily the United States, from 1945 to 1952.

The occupation, led by General Douglas MacArthur, implemented sweeping reforms.

These reforms included demilitarizing the country, establishing a democratic government, and promoting economic recovery.

Japan adopted a new constitution in 1947, which renounced war (Article 9) and established the emperor as a symbolic, rather than divine, figure.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, Japan experienced a period of phenomenal, export-led economic growth known as the 'Japanese economic miracle.'

This growth was guided by the government, particularly the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), in close cooperation with major corporations.

Japan became a global leader in industries like automobiles and electronics.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dominated Japanese politics for most of the post-war period.

In the early 1990s, Japan's economic bubble burst, leading to a long period of economic stagnation known as the 'Lost Decade.'

Post-war Japan has been defined by its transformation from a defeated imperial power into a peaceful, democratic, and economic superpower.