The Hodge–Kozuki Correspondence and Japan's Postwar Revival in "Liberated" Korea.

The article examines the complex interactions between Japanese military commanders and U.S. forces in Korea during the immediate aftermath of World War II, focusing on the communication exchanges that occurred as Japan prepared for surrender and the U.S. planned its occupation. It highlights the initial hostility that evolved into cooperation, reflecting the shifting dynamics of power in Northeast Asia as the U.S. sought to establish control over Korea while managing the remnants of Japanese influence. The correspondence between U.S. General John Hodge and Japanese General Kozuki Yoshio reveals the Japanese military's eagerness to assist in a peaceful transition, despite underlying tensions and the emerging threat of communism. Ultimately, the article suggests that these early interactions set the stage for the future political landscape of Korea, contributing to the division of the peninsula and the onset of the Korean War. [Extracted from the article]