The Treaty of San Francisco, also known as the Peace Treaty with Japan, was signed on September 8, 1951, by 48 nations. It established the legal framework for Japan's post-war recovery and its re-entry into the global community after the devastation of World War II. The treaty formally ended the state of war that had existed since 1945 and recognized Japan's sovereignty. Notably missing from the signing were the Soviet Union and several of its satellite states, reflecting the geopolitical tensions of the time. The treaty went into effect on April 28, 1952, allowing Japanese people to regain control over their nation and its affairs, marking a pivotal point in its reconstruction.The agreement's terms included the renunciation of war, stating that Japan would not maintain military forces for aggressive purposes. Additionally, Japan agreed not to claim reparations from the Allies for wartime actions. The treaty prompted Japan to adopt a pacifist constitution, which has shaped its defense policy ever since. This marked Japan's transition from a war-torn nation to a burgeoning democracy and an economic powerhouse. The treaty also set the stage for future U.S.-Japan relations, establishing a mutual security arrangement that persists in various forms today.