ABSTRACT
Kato Shidzue had not yet worked out her own role but knew that she would be publicly active in the new Japan. Kato Kanju would reenter elective party politics and Shidzue would work toward the "dream from girlhood days," a life in government. The Allied Occupation began officially with the signing of the documents of surrender on the battleship Missouri on September 2, 1945. A short time later Shidzue and her husband were visited by one of the American servicemen stationed in Japan. Shidzue explained. Shidzue's strong pro-American reputation, good command of English, and knowledge of women's issues, a high priority at CIE, guaranteed an immediate interest in her as well. During the September interview Shidzue was asked what Japanese women would most want to achieve in the post-war era. She replied broadly that they would want to see their rights as human beings assured.
