alternatehistory.com

For the purpose of this thread, I am going to assume that some of the worst possible predictions of the invasion of Japan came true: hundreds of thousands of Americans were wounded or killed, as were several million Japanese, atomic bombs were liberally used in both tactical and strategic roles, chemical weapons were used against well entrenched and stubborn Japanese defenders, the US attacked the rice supply with herbicides, and fitful guerilla attacks continue for a few years.

Now that the war is over, how does Japanese culture develop? How does society recover?

Hirohito and most of the royal family are probably dead. Would the US turn Japan into a republic? How would the lack of the emperor system affect Japanese culture?

State Shinto is dead. How does it develop after the war? I'd guess that there would be a flourishing of New Religions like OTL, with many new and diverse faiths based on folk traditions, in order to differentiate themselves from State Shinto?

What about Buddhism? Most Buddhist organizations supported the war, AFAIK. Would any of them be discredited? Could smaller sects like Shingon become more popular?

Could Christianity become popular, as it is untainted by association with the prewar state?

The greater devastation wrought by the Pacific War and the possible lack of a Korean War would severely retard Japan's economic recovery and growth. Japanese culture would have less influence on other countries. One possible benefit is that the birth rate might remain higher.

Is it possible that the Ryukyu Islands become independent, instead of being returned to Japan?

Would there be any long-term anti-American sentiments?

Downfall is discussed often in alternate history, but there seems to be little discussion of its long-term effects on Japan.
Top