Japanese occupation of 1941-45

The Japanese occupation of 1941-45 was the occupation of Santa Dominica by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Prior to the occupation, Santa Dominica was a protectorate of the United States but with large British influence over government and politics. The occupation lasted for a little more than 4 years and had lasting impacts, the most significant being the large influx of Japanese immigrants during this time. This has drastically altered the demographics of the country, with approximately 1/3 of the Santa Dominican population now being of Asian descent (mostly Japanese), and 25% of the population adhering to Japanese Buddhism.

The occupation was surprisingly peaceful and ended in the summer of 1945 when the United States re-took full control of the country from Japan. After the end of the occupation, many Americans accused the Santa Dominican populous of being apathetic or even slightly sympathetic towards the Japanese, and the growing tension between the United States and Santa Dominica ultimately led to the 1951-52 Rose Revolution and the independence of Santa Dominica.

Descendents of Japanese immigrants who arrived in Santa Dominica during the Second World War include people such as Prime Minister Mari Sato.