In the morning edition of the Asahi Shimbun, Monday, April 28, 1952, there was a front-page editorial titled "A New Start for Japan." The Occupation, Asahi opined, had been "almost akin to colonialism," resulting in people becoming "irresponsible, obsequious and listless . . . unable to perceive issues in a forthright manner, which led to distorted perspectives."

The writer concluded: "It is hoped the Japanese people will use this occasion to turn over a new leaf."

For most Japanese, however, the day the Occupation ended was business as usual.