eli5 How did Japan become a technology superpower after WW2?
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With a lot of American intervention. When the American forces occupied post war Japan a main priority was to get their industrial base humming again. The US identified major industries and companies that they felt could be instrumental in rebuilding their economy for the century and beyond. Cars, optics, electronics, and airplanes were particular areas of focus. It is no shock to anyone that the Shikansen started in 1964, as high speed transit was quickly identified as a ‘must have’ post world war 2. In short, they didn’t really have any other choice.
American policy in Japan after world war 2 was strangely progressive. General MacArthur (a deeply flawed character) was insistent on treating the mustered out Japanese army with respect and dignity, and that civil society was to be rebuilt fairly for the Japanese people.
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