Japan as a model industrialized Nation

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorUniversity, Master's February 2008

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With the Japanese economy being viewed as one of the most prominent, industrialized economies in the world, it is vital that one considers all of the requirements of a highly industrialized society, and not base their judgments solely on economic output. Through an analysis of Japan's reliance on her government to regulate her economy, it will be established that she cannot compete in the global market. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that according to Alexander Gerschenkron's theory alluding to industrialization, Japan has not developed in a manner that will allow her to prosper. Lastly, the fact that Japan depends on technological borrowing supports Gerschenkron's theory for late industrializers. When examining all of these aspects as a whole, it is obvious that when referring to Alexander Gerschenkron's theory regarding industrialization, Japan cannot be classified as a model industrialized nation, as she possesses the characteristics of a late industrializer with a weak economic capacity.




Japan's reliance on her government to regulate both trading practices and business operations reflects unfair protectionism and her inability to compete in the global market. This will be validated through an analysis of the role of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) within Japan's economy. Furthermore, an elucidation of a U.S based manufacturer's experience in doing business in Japan will reflect protectionism within the nation. Finally, a case study on the automobile industry in Japan will be analyzed, and will portray Japan's reliance on her government. When combined this evidence will exemplify the fact that Japan is unable to compete without the influence of her government and therefore cannot be considered an economic power or an industrialized model.


The most prominent government influence in Japan is the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), which controls a great deal of her economy;
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