Whose Back Was Stabbed

This book aims to change the American-skewed perception of the Pacific War by asking the reader one central question: who actually started the Pacific War? By examining facts recently revealed through the declassification of official documents, the decoding of secret communications between the Soviet Union and its operatives, and the findings from American and Japanese writers in recent decades, the author illuminates the role played by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in pushing Japan to the brink of war. The author also delves into the U.S. occupation of Japan immediately after the war. The book reviews the historical background of U.S.-Japan relations from the visit of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 to the present day. Utilizing a wealth of Japanese and American materials, the author presents an alternative view of the historical relationship between the two countries. After reviewing nearly two hundred years of history, the author concludes his arguments by urging contemporary Japanese to reexamine their view of history and to be confident that their nation has a bright future. -- from back cover.