You're right, it probably seemed completely natural for the creators to see this arc from loss to prosperity. All the more reason to question it and ask: what are the consequences of using memories of WWII to recover national pride? I think it can get very Japan-centric. But anything to do with WWII is such a thorny political issue, I don't want to make any blanket judgments.

I really want to come back to SGMS next year, if you'll have me. It was so much fun! If I'm not in Japan, I'll come for sure.