‎The Rise of Modern Japan - Apple TV

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Professor Mark J. Ravina covers Japan since World War II, dealing with the economic miracle that made it second only to the United States in the size of its economy. You learn how this happened and why Japanese markets plunged in the 1990s. You explore the economic, political, and social background, and the natural and nuclear disasters that befell Japan in 2011.

Documentary · 2021 · 30 min

Starring Mark Ravina

EPISODE 1

Japan’s Global War Vision Unravels

Explore the complex motives that led Japan into World War II and its risky challenge of American power. Professor Mark Ravina focusses on four Japanese officials who foresaw defeat in early 1944 and unsuccessfully urged the emperor to capitulate. Study the massive, decisive attack by the Soviet Union on Japanese forces in August 1945, roughly simultaneous with the US dropping of the atomic bombs.

29 min · Jul 17, 2025
EPISODE 2

How the US Occupation Remade Japan, 1945–1952

Probe the reasoning that led US occupying forces, headed by General Douglas MacArthur, to exonerate the Japanese emperor from any responsibility for his country’s conduct in World War II. Part of an American strategy for making Japan an ally in the Cold War, the policy misled ordinary Japanese about the causes of the war. Also, learn about other controversial decisions of the occupation.

33 min · Jul 17, 2025
EPISODE 3

The Japanese Economic Miracle: Empire 2.0

How did postwar Japan go from utter devastation and poverty to astonishing prosperity? Focus on the role of American occupation authorities in setting up Japan for success, both by design and by accident. See how the promotion of free trade and land reform paved the way for growth; political reform encouraged new blood and new ideas; and the Korean War provided a windfall of export opportunities.

32 min · Jul 17, 2025
EPISODE 4

Japan’s Civil Society Protests of 1960

Focus on the 1960 political crisis over a new security treaty with the US that ironically brought an era of stability to Japanese politics. Then-prime minister Kishi Nobusuke used dictatorial methods to outflank leftist opponents, causing his own downfall, but also establishing a rule for his successors: Don’t be “Kishi.” The outcome helped cement Japan’s place in the international order.

31 min · Jul 17, 2025
EPISODE 5

Japan Inc. and Its Upstart Challengers

Investigate the causes of the Japanese economic miracle, especially the planning role of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Observe that market success sometimes came in spite of the MITI—as with an upstart electronics company called Sony. Look at total quality management and other practices identified with Japanese industry, which in fact originated in the United States.

30 min · Jul 17, 2025
EPISODE 6

Japan Faces the Nixon Shocks: China and Gold

Learn how a misunderstood Japanese euphemism shaped US President Richard Nixon’s relationship with Japan, leading to policies that Japanese officials dubbed the “Nixon shocks,” notably the ending of the gold standard and America’s reproachment with China. Combined with the 1973 Arab oil embargo, these measures threatened Japan’s economic and strategic position. Discover how the nation coped.

27 min · Jul 17, 2025

Mark Ravina

Host