Reinventing Japan, 1945 – 1989

Japan’s trajectory from 1945-1989 is a critical chapter in understanding Japan in the world, yet it is one that is often skipped in a crowded curriculum. How did Japan reinvent itself after WWII and why is it important in the world today?

In 1945, Japan signed the WWII surrender as a defeated and disgraced nation. In 1989, Hirohito, the emperor who had led Japan into and beyond WWII, died. He left behind a new Japan that was respected and admired as a global economic and cultural leader. At pivotal years between 1945-1989, Japan faced challenges and pursued innovative directions that would reshape the nation and its relations with the world.

Designed for secondary history teachers, this short course will explore the period between 1945-1989 through three one-week modules highlighting key issues and events, primary source documents, and short case studies.

• • Starts:
  • October 3, 2024
• • Ends:
  • October 31, 2024
• • Time Detail:
  • 6:30-7:45pm (ET)
• • Learning Format:
  • Online
• • Location details:
  • Online with both synchronous & asynchronous components
• • Type of Course:
  • Seminars & Short Courses
• • Audience:
  • Secondary history and social studies teachers
• • Offered to:
  • All States
• • Registration and Info:

  • Each module will begin with a live 75-minute webinar followed by a week of asynchronous discussion on classroom resources and applications. Modules will include: Occupied (1945-52), Renewal and Resurgence (1952-1972), Boom (1972-89). Required webinars are October 10, 17, & 24 6:30-7:45pm ET

    All participants receive an advance text ( Japan Since 1954 (Key Issues in Asian Studies) by Paul E. Dunscomb) as well as access to resource packets and lessons within the course online platform. The course provides 16 hours of PD for fulfilling all requirements; educators completing the optional paper will receive a $100 stipend in addition to the 16 hours.