 
during the years of the occupation japan had little to do with the outside 
world. 
most japanese were involved with the problems of daily survival. 
japan's foreign affairs were the responsibility of the occupation 
government. 
after the occupation japan made a new start in the international 
community. 
in 1956 japan joined the united nations. 
the japanese re-established diplomatic relations with most governments of 
the world. 
fearing the threat of chinese communism, japan remained dependent on the 
united states and its military strength for its security. 
in 1952 a united states-japan mutual security pact was signed, which gave 
the united states the major responsibility for defending japan against 
aggression. 
from the beginning, many japanese opposed this pact, but it is still in 
effect. 
another sore spot between the united states and japan was the continued 
occupation of okinawa and the bonin islands by americans. 
the japanese felt that these islands were always a part of japan, and saw 
no reason why they should be deprived of lands that were not acquired through 
imperialist expansion. 
in 1968 the united states returned the bonins. 
in june, 1971 the u.s. promised to return okinawa as quickly as possible 
to japan and in may, 1972 the promise was kept. 
for the most part, the japanese have followed a pro-american policy, while 
still holding on to independence of action. 
american efforts to improve relations with the people's republic of china 
have caused some uneasiness in japan. 
the japanese fear that a more friendly american policy with china will be 
at the expense of japan. 
