This booklet analyzes the changes that have occurred in Japan in the postwar period. The book is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1, "Revolutionary Change: American Occupation, 1945-52," focuses on the dramatic changes brought by Occupation forces. Chapter 2, "Evolutionary Change: Japan's Democracy from the Occupation through the 1980s," chronicles almost 40 years of uninterrupted conservative rule. Chapter 3, "The Transformation of 1993-94," addresses the more "surprising" developments of recent years. Chapter 4, "The Future of Japan's Democracy," examines how the most recent changes stemmed from earlier transitions and projects their possible impact on the future. The volume includes an annotated reading list and a set of discussion questions for classroom use. (EH)