1. Japanese Economy Today Chapters 19.2 and 19.3

2. “America ni mo Makudonaruda ga aru” “Even in America, they have McDonald’s!” “Even in America, they have McDonald’s!” The Japanese have absorbed foods and styles from many other nations. The Japanese have absorbed foods and styles from many other nations. The names of many Japanese manufactures – for example, Sony and Toyota – are world famous. The names of many Japanese manufactures – for example, Sony and Toyota – are world famous.

3. Peter Jennings: Discovery Education

4. Security and Defense In reaction to WWII, the Japanese embraced a policy of pacifism, or opposition to the use of force under any circumstances. In reaction to WWII, the Japanese embraced a policy of pacifism, or opposition to the use of force under any circumstances. Japan’s 1947 constitution renounced war and barred the government from maintaining a military force. Japan’s 1947 constitution renounced war and barred the government from maintaining a military force. For protection, Japan allied itself with the US. During the Cold War, the US urged Japan to build its own defensive forces. At first, Japan resisted the pressure to rearm. In time, it did set up a Self-Defense Force. Japan bans taking part in any overseas military action. When asked to join the alliance, Japan sent money, but no troops. After 9-11, they have participated in limited non-fighting role

5. Japan and the Global Economy For decades, Japan has been a key player in the global economy. During its economic boom, people from western and nonwestern nations went to Japan to study its business methods and to learn from its success. BUT: Japan’s recession in 1989 hurt many countries.

6. The Trade Imbalance The trade imbalance occurred because Japan exports more goods to those nations than it imports from them. The trade imbalance occurred because Japan exports more goods to those nations than it imports from them. During the 1980s and 1990s, the issues of trade imbalance concerned Japan’s trading partners. During the 1980s and 1990s, the issues of trade imbalance concerned Japan’s trading partners. Competitors complain that Japan’s success is the result of unfair trade policies. Competitors complain that Japan’s success is the result of unfair trade policies.

7. “We Japanese should not buy the products of the foreigners!” Most nations have few barriers to trade. Japan has many obstacles that make it difficult for foreign companies to sell their products there. Most nations have few barriers to trade. Japan has many obstacles that make it difficult for foreign companies to sell their products there. Above quote demonstrates the attitude of Japanese toward imported goods. Above quote demonstrates the attitude of Japanese toward imported goods. Under strong pressure in recent years, Japan has made an effort to ease some trade barriers and increase imports. However, old attitudes are hard to overcome. Under strong pressure in recent years, Japan has made an effort to ease some trade barriers and increase imports. However, old attitudes are hard to overcome.

8. Japan gets criticized! As an economic superpower, Japan was doing little to help less-developed nations. As an economic superpower, Japan was doing little to help less-developed nations. In response to criticism, Japan set up programs to help people in developing nations gain modern technology and farming skills. In response to criticism, Japan set up programs to help people in developing nations gain modern technology and farming skills. Japan had to overcome the bitterness and hostility of countries that had suffered during the Japanese invasion and conquest. Japan had to overcome the bitterness and hostility of countries that had suffered during the Japanese invasion and conquest.

9. Southeast Asia Southeast Asian countries fear that Japan is using its economic power to dominate the region. Southeast Asian countries fear that Japan is using its economic power to dominate the region. For example, Japan provided reparation, or payments for damages, to nations it conquered during WWII. For example, Japan provided reparation, or payments for damages, to nations it conquered during WWII. The payments were not in cash but with Japanese goods. The payments were not in cash but with Japanese goods. To many SE Asians, Japan seemed to be promoting its own industries rather than making up for past damages. To many SE Asians, Japan seemed to be promoting its own industries rather than making up for past damages.

10. Today, Japan is the major trading partner of many East Asian and Southeast Asian nations. Although Japan faces growing competition from China, it still holds a dominant position in the Pacific Rim. ThailandMalaysiaSingaporeIndonesiaPhilippines Source of most imports JapanJapanUSJapanJapan Destination of most imports USSingaporeUSJapanJapan