That's a bit inaccurate. Germany and nearly every other country that the United States has fought against or aided militarily is compelled to allow US military bases through long-standing treaties, ideology, or realpolitik. Japan's not unique in that regard.Somewhat accurate. Unlike even Germany, the primary antagonist of WW2, the US still constrains Japan through old treaties, for example restraining their ability to maintain a proper standing army and forcing it to host US military bases that are, to put it lightly, not very popular with locals, not helped by some very high-profile cases of rape/murder by US servicemen around Okinawa. This chapter is an exaggeration, but in practice the US treats Japan as a vassal state. The strategic position near China is much too valuable for the US to consider letting Japan be truly sovereign.
this is just wrong, US actually WANT japan to armed themselves quickly after the war so they can be useful bulwark against communism, especially after korean war stalemate. it's japan political elite that know their military very often toppled their power every time they has the chance and current US high influence in defence was more profitable for them so they refuse to do so and promoting pacifism really hard and refuse really hard. they can get away refusing US demand because they know if they replaced, they next most popular guy are communist and US definitely didn't want that. yes people tend to forget but the main japan opposition party from late 50's to late 60's was communist party.Somewhat accurate. Unlike even Germany, the primary antagonist of WW2, the US still constrains Japan through old treaties, for example restraining their ability to maintain a proper standing army and forcing it to host US military bases that are, to put it lightly, not very popular with locals, not helped by some very high-profile cases of rape/murder by US servicemen around Okinawa. This chapter is an exaggeration, but in practice the US treats Japan as a vassal state. The strategic position near China is much too valuable for the US to consider letting Japan be truly sovereign.