[dogsbody70]

I am reading a very interesting book "Embracing Defeat" by John Dower.

It is about the aftermath of the Pacific War and Japan in particular.

It is very detailed. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the emergence of Japan folowing the surrender.


I have been shocked by the way the women suffered. The blackmarket in goods-- so many japanese were starving after the war and forced to play blackmarket prices in efforts to survive----- many children living on the streets-- with nobody caring about them, Ueno Station seemed to be a place where they hung out. Seeing photos of children wearing a box with the ashes of their parents hanging round their necks.

I doubt many ENglish people are remotely aware of the suffering in Japan. I certainly was not.

So few are aware of the firebombing---------. Yes there was looting beca\use how else to survive?


It seems that when soldiers did return they often were shunned once the civilan population learned about the atrocities many had committed.