It's interesting to see the differences in opinions when it came to the Japanese post-1945. Indeed, the rancour and resentment, particularly from the British and Australians, would not truly be settled until the turn of the century. What is noteworthy is a quote here: 1/

"It was harder to imagine the fire-bombing of Tokyo – tens of thousands burnt alive – or the atom-bombing of Hiroshima – 140,000 slaughtered and 100,000 linger on – than the sufferings of Australian prisoners of war...." 2/

"Yet there was some kind of balance, which people who saw the evidence with their own eyes, could not in simple honesty, ignore.” - Major Arthur W. John, BCOF (1987)

It was emblematic of veterans serving in Japan. Seeing the defeated, their opinions tended to be more nuanced. 3/

It's not a decree from me on whether it was right or wrong. But rather, a recognition that war sucks.
It often brings out the worst in us, as well as the best.
Veterans, civil and military, of occupation forces are often in the unique position to see both. End/