MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War (2016)
Japanese troops lined the way after MacArthur deplaned, looking away, which was the utmost sign of respect, something that was also done during an arrival of Emperor Hirohito. The mystique of MacArthur was never greater than at that moment. In truth, many US personnel, from high-ranking officers to mere musicians, had preceded MacArthur, but the Japanese were beyond-smitten with the general. MacArthur’s first orders were that US soldiers were to stick to their rations so no serviceman consumed food intended for the Japanese. That was the first in a long series of orders, decisions, and actions from MacArthur that allowed Japan to “save face”.
MacArthur and his family resided in the US Embassy, and his office was in a relatively undamaged insurance building. MacArthur was driven around in Tokyo in a black Cadillac (provided by a Filipino benefactor), which featured US military adornments, so there was no mistaking who was in the vehicle. MacArthur was driven around Tokyo with no armed escorts; the general maintained his route and routine despite there being at least one credible threat to his safety. MacArthur truly felt that he wasn’t in any danger, but he also acted in that manner for effect, knowing that repeated acts of fearlessness increased his stature in the eyes of the Japanese.
Once in the US Embassy, Hirohito was told that only his interpreter could accompany him to see MacArthur; there was palpable panic in the Emperor’s entourage, but only Hirohito and the interpreter were allowed to proceed. MacArthur knew that there was at least some support in DC (and the US) for the Emperor to be tried as a war criminal, and then to be executed, but MacArthur knew that Hirohito was far more valuable and useful if he remained as Emperor. Hirohito told MacArthur that he was solely responsible for Japan’s military and political decisions before-and-during the war, which impressed MacArthur greatly. What greatly impressed the Japanese was how MacArthur treated their Emperor with dignity and respect.
As far as the new national constitution, when the existing Japanese government (the Diet) didn’t cooperate, MacArthur wrote the changes himself, including a “no war” clause, which meant that Japan could no longer use war as a tool as a sovereign nation. The Japanese Diet accepted "MacArthur’s Constitution", as it commonly became to be known, and the first elections were held in April 1946: 13m women voted, and 38 women were elected to some level of public office.
MacArthur became in institution in Japan, and the general’s “Spartan Lifestyle” was celebrated. For example, the entire nation knew what MacArthur had for breakfast: fruit, cereal, eggs, toast, and coffee, and for lunch and dinner, MacArthur had soup, salad, and coffee. MacArthur worked every day, including holidays, and he never took a vacation. The general’s daily escape was watching movies every evening in his favorite rocking chair.
MacArthur’s energy seemed unlimited, and within a few years, most Japanese couldn’t envision their nation without MacArthur, since he had spared them from disgrace and humiliation while also guiding the way to a better future. Considering what the Japanese people had to endure under his predecessors, most hoped that the general would never leave. Although MacArthur is one of the most famous generals in US History, serving as a high-ranking officer in World War I, and a field commander in World War II and the Korean War, the greatest service he gave to his nation was rebuilding Japan from 1945 to 1950.