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" The definitive work on the occupation of Japan post WWII, winning the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, along with a myriad of other accolades. Extremely readable it is just as appropriate as a leisure read as it would be on a college syllabus. "
- Emily, 2/19/2014
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" I thought I've read hundreds of accounts on this historical episode but no one quite comes close to what Dower has achieved. Stories he tells so beautifully about how the Japanese coped with defeat are vivid, compelling, and deeply moving. His analysis of the American occupiers as neocolonial overlords is sweeping and provocative (to the point of being exaggerated at times), but overall very effective. It is a mark of craftsmanship unparalleled by other historians of Japan and truly deserving of a Pulitzer. "
- Jessie, 2/7/2014
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" Learning their emperor wasn't God, having Americans write their Constitution for them, watching a culture come to grips with itself in shambles is fascinating. "
- Parker, 2/5/2014
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" I had put this book down for years, but took it up again after reading retribution by Max Hastings. the most fascinating part is now, describing how the modern day constitution of Japan came into being. "
- Hatuxka, 1/26/2014
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" It's been too long since I read this, so a proper review will have to wait. I do remember liking it though. "
- Dan, 12/25/2013
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" By no means concise but in every aspect, brilliant. This work should be studied by every 20th century or Asian history student. His attention to detail and rhetoric makes a daunting text readable and immersive throughout. I've used excerpts from this text almost year I've taught. "
- Bryan, 12/3/2013
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" Read this to find out what happened in Japan after World War 2, it's likely not what you imagined. "
- Miquixote, 12/1/2013
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" Best book on Japanese society post-WWII (and today actually), period. Read this if you have the slightest interest in modern Japan. "
- Errol, 8/29/2013
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" Super readable, comprehensive account of post-war Japan with tons of personal details. I loved it, and would gladly have read it outside of class. It was a fascinating and balanced look at a rapidly changing, foreign and tradition-bound, yet extremely modern society. "
- Sophie, 7/23/2013
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" the longest book I've ever read! teaches you a lot, but maybe there's TOO MUCH information. I especially learned a lot about the old Emperor of Japan. more than I ever really needed to know about WW2. "
- VanessaFaye, 1/20/2013
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" What Americans have been taught about U.S. occupation of Japan is mostly wrong. Dower tells the truth from a perspective of respect and sympathy for the Japanese. "
- Vheissu, 10/14/2012
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" A fascinating look at the Japanese response to WW II. "
- Louis, 5/7/2012
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" All kinds of fascinating information about Japan after WWII. Wonder if it's still possible to find some of that "katsutori" booze anywhere. Then again, since it might make you blind and/or insane, I doubt they carry it at 7-11 these days. "
- Kit, 4/17/2012
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" The definitive book on postwar Japan. Must read for anyone interested in Japan. "
- Patrick, 2/21/2012
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" Excellent book describing the way in which Japanese responded to defeat in WWII and changed their government, economy, and society. "
- John, 1/11/2012
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" book was a bit slow and dull, but informative about Japan after WWII. It talks about the factors of how it was & got to be where it was, things that happened during American occupancy & handling of surrender. "
- Cadillacrazy, 11/24/2011
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" Incredible read about Japan and WWII from a totally different perspective. "
- Jane, 8/31/2011
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" Long and pretty brilliant history of Japan in the aftermath of WWII. Dower doesn't gloss over either the horrors of Japanese colonialism or the horrifying racism and paternalism of the US government, Allied forces and SCAP. Social, political, military history nicely combined.
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- Daryl, 4/18/2011
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" A very good book detailng the defeat of Japan in World War II, their subsequent acceptance of the defeat, and Japan's growth in the years that followed. The author uses previously unavailable material and pictures to bring a different perspective to the change in Japan's psyche after the war.
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- Reynolds, 4/16/2011
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" By no means concise but in every aspect, brilliant. This work should be studied by every 20th century or Asian history student. His attention to detail and rhetoric makes a daunting text readable and immersive throughout. I've used excerpts from this text almost year I've taught.
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- Bryan, 4/5/2011
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" It's been too long since I read this, so a proper review will have to wait. I do remember liking it though.
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- Dan, 12/29/2010
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" What Americans have been taught about U.S. occupation of Japan is mostly wrong. Dower tells the truth from a perspective of respect and sympathy for the Japanese.
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- Vheissu, 8/10/2010
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" Boom, but it's right up my alley.
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- J.M., 7/13/2010
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" A good book that deals with the question of how a fierce, militaristic country could change so quickly into a modern democratic nation.
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- Japanrick, 6/19/2010
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" Odd that only the CD edition is on this site for a Pulitzer Prize winner.
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- Scott, 8/22/2009
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" I had put this book down for years, but took it up again after reading retribution by Max Hastings. the most fascinating part is now, describing how the modern day constitution of Japan came into being.
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- Anthony, 6/30/2009
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