Traditional companies like Hitachi and Mitsubishi, maker of the Formidable Zero Fighter, converted to peacetime manufacturing, in time producing everything from power generators and cars to air conditioners and rice cookers. New companies like Sony and Honda expanded quickly and courageously. All borrowed massive amounts of money. With discipline, teamwork, and imagination, they created the world’s second largest economy.

Here’s a look back at the half century in which Japan recovered, and nine achievements its companies created that dazzled the world.