Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines a hitherto neglected area of Japanese agency and influence inside General Headquarters (GHQ's) zaibatsu dissolution program, an area of reform long thought to have been almost totally dominated by the Occupation. It illustrates the key role played by the Holding Company Liquidation Commission (HCLC), a Japanese governmental body. The book describes a field where active cooperation between members of GHQ and the Japanese government occurred, both in terms of sharing ideas and developing policy. It explores that GHQ was pushing for the recovery and development of the industries of this part of Japan, especially food and coal production, well before the alleged 'reverse course' of latter years. The book focuses on the revival of the cotton industry during the Occupation period. It also focuses on GHQ's social reforms and their indirect impacts on the economic sphere.