Postwar Japan The Allies, under the command of US General Douglas MacArthur, oversaw Japan and the drafting of a new constitution after WWII. The new constitution established a democratic government, reduced the size of Japan’s military to a defensive force, and allowed for a modified version of the emperor. It also guaranteed certain human rights and extended women the right to vote. In 1951, Japan became independent again. However, it kept a close relationship with the US. The US poured lots of money into rebuilding Japan and helped it grow economically. Today, Japan is one of the wealthiest and economically strongest nations in the world.

Outcomes for Japan Japan has a modern economic miracle. Best educated work force in the world. Women granted rights Old power structure, and class system broken down and replaced. Peasants could and did own property. Democracy still reigns to this day.

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Systems – How the power is distributed. Types – Who rules and who participates. Form- Limited / Unlimited Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed? There are three ways governments distribute power: Unitary Confederation Federal JAPAN has a Federal System of Government.

Japan’s Government Japan has a federal system, and its 47 prefectures are not sovereign entities in the sense that U.S. states are. Most depend on the central government for subsidies. Governors of prefectures, mayors of municipalities, and prefectural and municipal assembly members are popularly elected to 4-year terms..

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Systems – How the power is distributed. Types – Who rules and who participates. Form- Limited / Unlimited Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

Japan’s Government Question-What type of government does Japan have? ANSWER-Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy government.

Constitutional Monarchy A government with a written plan, or constitution, that includes a monarch as a ceremonial leader and a parliament or other legislature to make the laws. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives. 4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the people. Are not held responsible for unpopular decisions, yet can help form public opinion

Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister is elected by legislator There is no set term or limit on how long Prime Minister can hold office Head of the state and the chief executive are two different offices

Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister is the chief executive and actually is in charge running the government. The Emperor is considered the Head of State and has more of a chief diplomat role with other countries.

Japan’s Government Japan’s parliament or Diet serves as the legislative branch. It passes the country’s laws. Japan’s Parliament is bicameral (has two houses). Question-What is the name of the two different houses? ANSWER- The first house of Japan’s Diet is the House of Representatives and the second is the House of Councilors. Both of these positions are chosen by popular election.

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Systems – How the power is distributed. Types – Who rules and who participates. Form- Limited / Unlimited Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

Limited Government A government in which everyone, including those in authority, must obey the laws.

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Systems – How the power is distributed. Types – Who rules and who participates. Form- Limited / Unlimited Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state? Japan’s Government Question- Who is Japan’s chief of state? ANSWER- Japan’s chief of state is Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January, 1989) He holds no real power but serves as an ambassador for Japan.

Question- Who is Japan’s head of government? Japan’s Government Question- Who is Japan’s head of government? ANSWER- Japan’s head of government is Prime Minister Taro ASO

Question- What type of Economy does Japan have? Japan’s Economy Question- What type of Economy does Japan have? ANSWER- Japan’s economy is Mixed/Market

Japan does not have a lot of usable land

Japan’s Government is very involved in helping the private sector of their economy The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japanese Tariffs In the decades following World War II, Japan implemented stringent tariffs and policies to encourage the people to save their income. With more money in banks, loans and credit became easier to obtain, and with Japan running large trade surpluses, the yen appreciated against foreign currencies The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

The Toyota Prius “The Japanese government strongly supported R & D (research and development) investment in battery development, and the Prius and other Japanese models benefited from that investment.” He cited this “investment” as an example of cooperation for the U.S. government and industry. “Instead of being at odds with each other over CAFE [Corporate Average Fuel Economy] and other policies that put U.S. companies at a disadvantage, the two should work together to find technological improvements that help give U.S. companies a competitive advantage,” said Press The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japanese Workers Japan's labor force contributed significantly to economic growth, not only because of its availability and literacy but also because of its reasonable wage demands and hard work ethic. The nation became increasingly industrialized in the mid-1960s and wages rose significantly. However, labor union cooperation generally kept salary increases within the range of gains in productivity. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japanese Entrepreneurs The lifetime employment and seniority-based wage system has limited the number of entrepreneurs in the country. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japan’s Trade Surplus Because the Japanese economy was exporting more goods than it was importing, it developed a trade surplus. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Japan’s Exchange Rate With Japan running large trade surpluses, the yen appreciated against foreign currencies, or was worth more. The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

Today the Yen’s exchange rate is… Japan’s Exchange Rate Today the Yen’s exchange rate is… $1.00= 90.6352 JPY Japan Big Mac=2.54 in US Dollars US Big Mac=2.67 in US Dollars The next couple of slides are a comparison of the countries that we will be visiting. Notice how small all are compared to China.

What is the reason for Japan’s economic success? The Government Their Work Ethic Their Tariffs Their Trade Surplus

What is the name for Japan’s legislature? The Diet

What type of government does Japan have? Constitutional Monarchy / Parliamentary Democracy