Japan with its 126.8 million inhabitants is the unique example of a Non-
Western economy achieving an equal standard of living with other Western
countries. On top of that, the Japanese economy is the second largest in the
world. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Japans has been $ 4.7 trillions in
the year 2000. This makes Japans economy about 2.5 times larger than the
German one measured in Dollars.1 In the light of Japans extraordinary role in
world economics, it would be very interesting to look at the background of
Japans historical development of economics. Unfortunately there is non or little
knowledge in Germany about this. The picture, we have here, is often
influenced by clichés such as the Japanese imperialism, the pervasive
government bureaucracy and the impressing Japanese economic growth.
However, the economy in Japan is no longer growing. There are structural
problems. We have to ask the question how the ´Japanese Model´ can go on. I
will therefore give an overview about the Japanese economy and its
possibilities in the future.
The start of modern economic growth in the 1870s is closely connected with
the opening Japans to the rest of the world. To understand this development,
we have to take a closer look at the economic history before 1854. Thus, my
starting point of the historic development is the so-called Tokugawa period.
After that, I will talk about the different phases of the Japanese economic
history up to this date. Out of the sheer volume of the single phases, we can
only consider the most important events, and determining factors of any one
development. After we have viewed the historical phases, we will introduce the
perspectives of the Japanese economy. We will on one hand look at the future
development within Japan and on the other hand at the economic possibilities
internationally.
1 World Bank (2001)
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. History of the Japanese Economy
- 2.1. The Tokugawa Period (1603-1868)
- 2.2. The Meiji Era (1868-1912)
- 2.3. The Japanese Development up to the End of World War II (1912-1945)
- 2.4. The American Occupation (1945-1952)
- 2.5. Period of Rapid Growth (1950-1973)
- 2.6. The Effects of the Two Oil Crises (1973-1983)
- 2.7. Japan's Bubble Economy of the 1980s
- 2.8. The Lost Decade (1990-2000)
- 3. Perspective of the Japanese Economy
- 3.1. Necessary Reforms for the Future
- 3.2. Japan's New International Role
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar aims to provide an overview of the Japanese economy, examining its historical development from 1854 to 2000 and exploring its future prospects. It seeks to move beyond common stereotypes and analyze the structural challenges facing the Japanese economic model.
- Historical development of the Japanese economy from the Tokugawa period to the "Lost Decade."
- The impact of significant historical events, such as the Meiji Restoration and World War II, on the Japanese economy.
- Analysis of periods of rapid growth and subsequent economic stagnation.
- Examination of the unique characteristics of the Japanese economic model.
- Discussion of necessary reforms and Japan's evolving international role.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting Japan's unique economic achievement – achieving a Western standard of living as a non-Western nation and becoming the world's second-largest economy. It acknowledges the lack of widespread knowledge in Germany about the intricacies of Japan's economic history and the prevalence of clichés surrounding its development. The chapter establishes the seminar's objective: to provide a comprehensive overview of the Japanese economy, past and future, particularly focusing on its current structural challenges and the viability of the "Japanese Model."
2.1. The Tokugawa Period (1603-1868): This section delves into the economic foundations laid during the Tokugawa shogunate. The establishment of the Baku-han system, a feudal structure similar to that of Europe, is discussed, along with its key components: the Shinō-Kōshō caste system, the Sankin-Kōtai alternating attendance system, and the Sakoku seclusion policy. The impact of these systems on economic development, including the rigid class structure hindering occupational mobility and the development of Osaka as a major merchant center due to the Sankin-Kōtai, is thoroughly analyzed. The chapter emphasizes the lasting influence of the Tokugawa era on subsequent Japanese economic history.
Keywords
Japanese economy, economic history, Tokugawa period, Meiji Restoration, rapid growth, oil crises, bubble economy, lost decade, economic reforms, international role, structural problems, Japanese model.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Japanese Economy
What topics are covered in this language preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of the Japanese economy. It includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The content covers the historical development of the Japanese economy from the Tokugawa period to the "Lost Decade" (1990-2000), analyzing periods of rapid growth and subsequent stagnation, and examining the unique characteristics of the Japanese economic model. It also discusses necessary future reforms and Japan's evolving international role.
What is the historical scope of the preview?
The preview examines the Japanese economy from the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) to the present, with a particular focus on the period up to 2000. Key historical periods such as the Meiji Restoration, World War II, periods of rapid growth, oil crises, the bubble economy, and the "Lost Decade" are all analyzed in detail.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
Key themes include the historical development of the Japanese economy, the impact of significant historical events, analysis of periods of rapid growth and stagnation, the unique characteristics of the Japanese economic model, necessary economic reforms, and Japan's evolving international role. The preview aims to move beyond common stereotypes and analyze the structural challenges facing the Japanese economic model.
What are the main objectives of the seminar described in the preview?
The seminar aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Japanese economy, examining its historical development and exploring its future prospects. It seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the Japanese economy, moving beyond common stereotypes and analyzing the structural challenges facing the Japanese economic model. The seminar focuses on Japan's unique economic achievement and its current structural challenges.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide an overview of each chapter's content. The introduction highlights Japan's unique economic achievement and the seminar's objective. Chapter 2.1 delves into the economic foundations laid during the Tokugawa shogunate, analyzing the impact of the Baku-han system and its key components on economic development.
What keywords are associated with this preview?
Keywords include: Japanese economy, economic history, Tokugawa period, Meiji Restoration, rapid growth, oil crises, bubble economy, lost decade, economic reforms, international role, structural problems, Japanese model.
What is the structure of the Table of Contents?
The table of contents is structured chronologically and thematically. It begins with an introduction, followed by a detailed historical overview of the Japanese economy, divided into sub-sections covering specific periods. This is followed by a section on the perspectives of the Japanese economy, including necessary reforms and Japan's new international role, and concludes with a final conclusion.
- Citation du texte
- Roald Neubert (Auteur), 2002, History and Perspective of Japanese Economy (1854-2000), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12780
