Life of the Post-WWII Japan Through Fascinating Color Pictures

The Allies occupied Japan at the end of World War II until 1952, during which a new constitution was enacted in 1947 that transformed Japan into a constitutional monarchy.

After 1955, Japan enjoyed very high economic growth, and became a world economic powerhouse.

These fascinating color pics from Tom Smith were taken by his father that documented everyday life of Japan from 1948 to 1950.

Japan, 1948

Countryside waterwheel, Japan, 1948

Farm man resting, Japan, 1948

Farm woman carrying fertilizer, Japan, 1948

Farm worker pulling onions, Japan, 1948

Fertilizing, Japan, 1948

Flower arranging, Lake Kawaguchi resort, 1948

Kamakura. Bride and bridesmaid, 1948

Mt. Fuji from Lake Hakone, 1948

Teamwork, Japan, 1948

Tokyo canal reflection, 1948

Tokyo Ginza, 1948

Tokyo, 1948

Tokyo. Hama Park, 1948

Fukuoka. Boy's Day Parade, 1949

Fukuoka. Boy's Day Parade, 1949

Fukuoka. Boy's Day Parade, 1949

Fukuoka. Boy's Day Parade, 1949

Fukuoka. Boy's Day Parade, 1949

Fukuoka. Boys fishing, 1949

Nikko. Inside shrine, 1949

Nikko. Inside shrine, 1949

Nikko. Inside shrine, 1949

Nikko. Shoes outside shrine, 1949

Nikko. Toshogu shrine, 1949

Plowman, Japan, 1949

Tokyo. New Years Day, 1949

Tokyo. New Years Day, 1949

Tokyo. Photographing the family, 1949

Countryside child care, Japan, 1950

Countryside, Japan, 1950

Farmer, Japan, 1950

Tokyo street scenes, 1950

Tokyo street scenes, 1950

Tokyo street scenes, 1950

Tokyo street scenes, 1950

Tokyo street scenes, 1950

Tokyo, 1950

Tokyo, 1950

Tokyo. A cobbler and all his things, 1950

Tokyo. Coal-burning car, 1950

Village laundromat, Japan, 1950