Emperor Hirohito surrenders, gives up divine status. Japan placed under US military government with Gen. MacArthur installed as supreme commander of Allied Powers in Japan. 1950 Korean War. US army contracts lead to quick expansion of Japanese economy. 1952 Treaty of San Francisco.
Japan regains independence.
1964 Tokyo Olympics. 1973 Oil crisis. Economic growth cut. 1979 Second oil crisis. Japan becomes world's largest aid donor and overseas investor.