Figure 1.--You wonder how the Japanese kids were processing what had just happened in their lives. They were told by their parents and teachers that the Americans were monsters. Than hey experience a month f war. And now some were having fun wih the Amricans. Others were notyetquie sure. But the abilityy to score bubble gun and candy was a powerful draw. The soldier was with the Army Air Forces.

After 2 1/2 years of war, Saipan was he first place that the Americans and Japanese civilians came in contact. It was an eye-opening experience for both. The Japanese Government promoted emigration to Saipan after obtaining control of Saipan after World War I. There was a large Japanese civilian population. We have seen estimated, numbering about 20-26,000, outnumbering the 4,000 native Chamorros on the island. No one knows how many were killed or committed suicide during he battle for the island (June 1944). WE do now how many Japanese civilians the Americans interned and cared for after the battle--about 18,000. The civilians soon astonished that everything the Government and soldiers had told them about the Americans was a complete lie. And during the battle, i was the Japanese soldiers who murdered civilians if they did not voluntarily commit upside. In contrast they received food, water, medical care, and her relief supplies. The Americans were at first concerned that the Japanese civilians would be a security treat. This proved unfounded. The Japanese civilians were astonished how they had been lied to and how well they were treated that they were not only not a security threat, but they came to regarded the Americans warmly as their saviors. The children were especially intrigued with the Americans and there of course always the possibly of getting a hold of chewing gum and candy of which the American GIs seemed to have an endless supply. The Americans away from home for an extended period found interacting with the children a pleasant diversion.

Created: 3:22 PM 2/24/2025
Last updated: 3:22 PM 2/24/2025