According to Ienaga, the conduct of American soldiers during the occupation of Japan was marked by a mixture of benevolence.
On the one hand, many American soldiers were genuinely kind and respectful to the Japanese people. They provided food and medical aid to those in need, and they often engaged in friendly interactions with civilians. On the other hand, there were also instances of American soldiers abusing their power and mistreating Japanese citizens.
Ienaga argues that the mixed conduct of American soldiers was a reflection of the broader contradictions of the American occupation. On the one hand, the United States sought to democratize Japan and instill a sense of human rights. On the other hand, the occupation was also driven by American self-interest,