In the 1940s, the US Customs Bureau stated that items manufactured or produced in Japan should be properly marked to indicate their origin with one of the following tags: “Japan”, “Made In Japan”, “Occupied Japan”, or “Made In Occupied Japan”. In addition, many factories would also place a red or silver foil label baring one of these markings on their goods. Items made between 1945-1952 were made during Japan’s post-war years, also known as the Occupied Japan years. Note the 2 photos – a pair of Genie Kids Salt and Pepper Shakers that are Made in Japan and the stamp.
In 1946 that the Japanese government introduced the PPS system (Priority Production System) to its citizens that would aid in rebuilding and revitalizing war torn Japan. Since coal and steel are the two main natural resources privy to Japan, for the next few years Japan was going to capitalize on this and turn all attention on these resources to develop and maximize their global needs. The Korean War 1950-1953 also aided Japanese economy via exports that by the 1940s-1950s Japan began to show economic recovery as a direct result of the PPS System with exports beginning to dramatically increase.
During the 1950s-1960s Japan manufactured and produced many exported goods with a low-end dime-store quality to them. Some of these classified items were ceramics, toys, souvenir and novelty items, and small electronics. Although today, there is quite a demand in the Antiques and Collectibles arena for goods made in Japan and marked Occupied Japan, but back in the 50s-60s these items were not highly coveted. Read More Here.