Modern Japan

Japan Becomes an Economic Superpower On the Road to Recovery A. World War II left Japan in ruins and under American occupation

The Americans brought major changes to Japan: a. Japan had a new constitution and parliamentary democracy imposed by the US military government the constitution renounced war b. Education was now open to everyone c. Women received more legal rights

The US occupation was similar to the Meiji Restoration as it brought major political, social, and economic changes to Japan Mathew Perry Emperor Meiji

Japanese Successes: Economic Recovery after World War II A. Japan had an economic miracle similar to West Germany’s

1. Reasons for its success were: a. destroyed factories were replaced with modern factories that out- produced older ones in the West b. a strong educational system and well trained work force c. government supported large corporations imposed trade restrictions to protect its home industries government and businesses have worked together

B. Japan’s Trade Imbalance 1. Japan’s trade barriers have created a favorable balance of trade with its trading partners. (Japan exports more than it imports)

Japan has close economic ties with the United States a trade deficit exists between these two countries the US has threatened to raise tariffs on Japanese imports

A New World Role Since World War II Japan has been a major force in the world economy 1. Present day economic success has been based on cultural adaptation and modern technology Japan has adopted Western ways while maintaining its traditional culture

Japan has realized that territorial aggression is not necessary to achieve national economic goals. Japan has developed technology and industrial products to secure natural resources.

its dependence on foreign oil has led to better relations with Middle Eastern countries. Japan is the world’s largest donor nation, giving large amounts of foreign aid to emerging nations