2. The text states, "This new market economy is a distinct contrast to the communist rule Japan had before WWII." Why did the author choose the underlined word in this sentence?

The occupations and reconstruction policy of 1945 to 1952

Explanation:

After the defeat of Japan in the second world war II, the allied nations including Great Britain, Old Soviet Union, China led by  United States of America sort for a way to deal with the post Japan as it discussed on how to disarm of the military, reposition the economy, deal with Japan territories and  re-militarization of the country in the future.

The land reforms which dealt a big blow to the rich landowners, benefits majority tenant farmers  to the disadvantage of the rich land owners, many of whom supported the war and territorial expansion of Japan. The allies also supervised the breaking up of big Japaneses conglomerates as way of creating free and competitive economy, there by giving birth to capitalist economy against the communism being practiced before the war.

Moving further, the powers of the emperor was whittled down to mere of ceremonial head.