The Americans regarded the future of Japan as their own
concern. In 1942 they had begun to study the problems posed by
occupation and what powers should be granted to the military
command. After some hesitation, they decided not to depose the
Emperor. He retained his title, disendowed of divine powers,
and served as mediator to make the Japanese more receptive oi
American policy. Representatives of all the allied countries attended
the surrender ceremony and served on the occupation
commission in a consultative capacity. At Tokyo war criminals
were tried and sentenced by a tribunal. At General MacArthur's
order, as supreme commander for the Allied Powers, Japan
was demilitarized and democratized.
World History
