The Confusion Era: Art and Culture of Japan During the Allied Occupation, 1945-1952 The Allied Occupation, immediately following the end of the Second World War, witnessed profound American involvement in virtually every aspect of life in Japan, forever changing the dynamic between the countries. Numerous studies addressing politics, economic and constitutional development, and education reform have been published but little has been written concerning the conditions of the arts during this formative era. As the world marks a half century since the events of the Occupation, it is time to reflect on the creative environment that affected the cultural and social life of the country. The Confusion Era: Art and Culture of Japan During the Allied Occupation,1945-1952,brings together an eminent, lively group of authors for a critical exploration of the achievements and experiments of this crucial time. features a selection from The Confusion Era, "Don't Sell Salt Illegally: Posters in Occupied Japan," detailing the work of poster designers and printers just after the Occupation began. After you read the selections, visit the poster gallery to see the resilience of Japan's artists and the effect of design and mass communication on a recovering Japan. Foreword to the print edition, The Confusion Era: Art and Culture of Japan During Allied Occupation, 1945-1952 "Don't Sell Salt Illegally: Posters in Occupied Japan," James Howard Fraser Poster Gallery Credit Information Ordering Information All text and images herein are courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution. All material intended for educational use only.