American Occupation Control over Broadcasting in Japan, 1945–1952

Abstract

Through the analysis of historical documents, we examine the extent to which U.S. authorities shaped and directed broadcasting in Japan. We note that controls placed on Japanese broadcasters were often rigorous and uncompromising, despite the fact that Washington initially instructed occupation officials to give guidance to the Japanese without overt control. We suggest that, perhaps, this domination created an environment conducive to the development of broadcasting systems in Japan that are vulnerable to governmental authority.