The instruments of surrender signed by Japan aboard a U.S. battleship relieved Japan of any standing armies. In truth, the preventative measure was hardly needed, as Japanese public opinion in the wake of the twin atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki turned resolutely pacifist. Japan enjoyed the opportunity of funneling money formerly used for the military into other channels, and worked closely with the United Nations to develop their country, their region, and the world at large.

On this day, December 18, in 1956, Japan was formally admitted to the United Nations. The move was welcomed by many of the Japanese, who considered it a recognition of their past works with the organization, and a chance to move away from depending solely on the U.S. for its defense.

Since the end of the cold war, Japan’s role in the United Nations has focused on human rights and economic issues, bringing together conferences in illicit “blood diamond” smuggling, and participating in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and East Timor.