“How Indians in post-war Japan rebuilt their lives under Allied occupation”

Key points

• The Indian Liaison Mission tracked 164 Indians with 54 dependents in Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe.
• In 1949 its report said the community’s economy was not satisfactory due to controls.
• Trade was limited; early Open General Licences allowed 39 traders and 400 private traders entry.
• An Overseas Supply Store offered imported goods, improving some traders’ finances within months.
• Community divisions emerged, with rival associations forming and limited unity despite recovery efforts.