The Woman in the Dunes | Historical Context

The Woman in the Dunes Historical Context

Japan Immediately after World War II

On April 28, 1952, the official occupation of Japan by the United States ended. This did not, however, end the American influence on Japan, as Japanese officials had signed an agreement with the United States that established American military bases in the country. This agreement stated that the United States would protect Japan against any military attack by another country. The presence of the military, other government officials, as well as American businessmen, created an ever-widening change on the lives of the people of Japan. From clothes to music, from food to department stores, the ancient culture was rapidly becoming westernized. Japan was ruled by a new constitution; the emperor became more of a figurehead than a leader; and the country, in which most of its major cities had been destroyed, relied on American aid to get back on its economic feet.

For many years, despite the fact...
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