Glassware crafted between the years of 1945 and 1952 are known as Occupied Japan pieces because those were the years after WWII that Japan was occupied. Occupied Japan glassware can have a special significance to Americans as those years are connected to the dramatic events that started WWII. December 7, 1941 was the date Japanese planes bombed an unsuspecting Pearl Harbor and everyone who was alive then knew exactly where they were when they heard the news.
Japan was occupied after WWII
The Japanese surrendered after two atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. One of the terms in the surrender agreement authorized the Allied Forces (mainly Americans) to occupy Japan. The goal was to help rebuild Japan after the devastation from the bombs, but not to let it get to such a level as it could re-arm its military to inflict damage again on the United States.
Fifty percent of Occupied Japan glassware and other items had to be marked as such when they entered the United States market. They are rare finds today and are highly valued in the collectibles market. The markings might say either “Made in Occupied Japan” or “Occupied Japan.” You might also see “OJ” or “Japan” used as markings, especially if the glassware is part of a set. Allowing the sale of Japanese handcrafted articles was, in part, a contribution from the United States in helping the Japanese economy recover.
Emotions were running high in America
This era of time was a highly sensitive one in America and emotions were running very high against Japan and its people. The bombing of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor was devastating. Certainly, most American citizens were not interested in “helping” Japan, the country that became our enemy for a time and was responsible for the lost lives of many loved ones. These feelings of hostility toward Japan’s actions of WWII lasted several years, and still last today in the minds of those who are still alive and remember that time.


Occupation was identification
The only way many Americans would purchase these products from Japan was to have them identified in a way so as to ensure the world knew, they were “occupied.” This reflected this first time in history that the country of Japan was occupied by a foreign entity. Also, many Americans didn’t want to give their money in a purchase to the people of Japan, who, in their mind’s eye, caused such trauma to the United States.

The significance of these Occupied Japan collectibles, to some, almost makes the statement with the purchase that acknowledges the Allies won the war and Japan had to admit defeat in the end. From 1950 to 1952, 90 percent of the products exported from Japan were kitchen and glassware.

Alana Morgaine
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