The History of Japanese Economic Development

Origins of Private Dynamism and Policy Competence

Published Sept. 6, 2017 by Routledge.

ISBN:
978-1-138-21542-9
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This is an easy-to-read book that explains how and why Japan industrialized rapidly. It traces historical development from the feudal Edo period to high income and technology in the current period. Catch-up industrialization is analyzed from a broad perspective including social, economic and political aspects. Historical data, research and contesting arguments are amply supplied. Japan’s unique experience is contrasted with the practices of today’s developing countries. Negative aspects such as social ills, policy failures, military movements and war years are also covered.

Nineteenth-century Japan already had a happy combination of strong entrepreneurship and relatively wise government, which was the result of Japan’s long evolutionary history. Measured contacts with high civilizations of China, India and the West allowed cumulative growth without being destroyed by them. Imported ideas and technology were absorbed with adjustments to fit the local context.

The book grew out of a graduate course for government officials …

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A By-The-Numbers History

This is your standard introductory history of Japanese economic development focusing on the Meiji period to the modern day. If you're already familiar with this history you probably won't learn anything new here, but if you're looking to learn more about this topic this is a solid intro

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