Japan marks first anniversary of liberation from U.S. occupation

In Japan, April 28 for the first time in the history of the country celebrate a new national holiday - "Day of the restoration of sovereignty."

Earlier this year, the Japanese government has proposed to conduct the celebration of the end of the U.S. occupation of the main territory of the country after the Second World War, the "News".

In Tokyo, the ceremony will be held, with the participation of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the members of both houses of parliament and Japanese politicians.

The U.S. occupation officially ended on April 281952 when he joined the force of the San Francisco Peace Treaty between Tokyo and the majority of the anti-fascist coalition. At the same time, for various reasons, have not signed the Soviet Union and China. Thus, today, the whole country celebrated '61 of liberation from U.S. occupation. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Esihide Sugi, these celebrations should emphasize the importance of the return of Japan in the international community. "It is a symbol of our commitment to contribute to peace and stability," - He said.

On the other hand, in the opinion of many experts, the Prime Minister Abe's cabinet, has a reputation of nationalist and "hawk" who use this anniversary to step up their campaign to revise the post-war constitution and the removal of its provisions which, in the opinion of Tokyo, limiting Japanese sovereignty. This is primarily the Article 9 which prohibits Japan to have armed forces.

Newly introduced festival has had time to cause divisions within the country itself. Against the celebrations actively support the people of Okinawa - the southernmost Japanese prefecture. The fact that Okinawa was administered by the U.S. administration until 1972 - the reason why the locals feel stung by the initiative of the new Japanese government.