Skip to content

Japan

How japan master the internal combustion engine?

El sistema de ahorro postal (郵便貯金制度, Yūbin chokin seido) fue uno de los instrumentos más importantes en la estrategia de desarrollo económico del Japón moderno, particularmente durante el período Meiji y el auge industrial del siglo XX.

Sistema FILP (Fiscal Investment and Loan Program): ...

Fondo Fiduciario del Gobierno (Trust Fund Bureau): ...

Fondo Fiduciario del Gobierno (Trust Fund Bureau) Canalizaba los depósitos postales hacia proyectos de infraestructura y financiamiento de bancos estatales (como Japan Development Bank o Japan Highway Public Corporation).

R&D Actors

Here is a table summarizing key R&D Actors in Japan, including their types, roles, parent organizations, and foundation years:

R&D Actor Type Foundation Year Role/Function Parent Organization
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Research Agency 1996 Promotes science and technology, funds R&D projects Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Research Institute 2001 Conducts multidisciplinary research in industrial technologies Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
RIKEN Research Institute 1917 Conducts research in natural sciences Independent Administrative Institution
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Agency 2003 Manages space exploration and research Government of Japan
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) Research Institute 2001 Focuses on materials science and engineering research Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) Research Institute 2004 Conducts research in information and communications technology Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) Research Institute 1971 Conducts research in marine and earth sciences Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) Research Institute 1986 Focuses on telecommunications and neuroscience research Private Sector
National Cancer Center Japan (NCC) Medical Research Institute 1962 Conducts cancer research and clinical studies Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
University of Tokyo Academic Institution 1877 Conducts multidisciplinary research across various fields Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Kyoto University Academic Institution 1897 Conducts interdisciplinary research across multiple fields Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Osaka University Academic Institution 1931 Conducts multidisciplinary research across various fields Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. Corporate R&D 1968 Develops advanced information technology solutions Fujitsu Limited
Toyota Central R&D Labs, Inc. Corporate R&D 1960 Conducts automotive and mobility research Toyota Motor Corporation
Panasonic Research & Development Corporate R&D 1918 Develops consumer electronics and industrial solutions Panasonic Corporation
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Research Institute 2015 … …

Japan Debt Riddle

Japan Debt:

  • İmrohoroğlu, Selahattin, Sagiri Kitao, and Tomoaki Yamada. "Achieving fiscal balance in Japan." International Economic Review 57.1 (2016): 117-154.
  • Hoshi, Takeo, and Takatoshi Ito. "Defying gravity: can Japanese sovereign debt continue to increase without a crisis?." Economic Policy 29.77 (2014): 5-44.
  • Nakajima, Tomoyuki, and Shuhei Takahashi. "The optimum quantity of debt for Japan." Journal of the Japanese and International Economies 46 (2017): 17-26.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Japan
  • Chung, KunMo, and KongRae Lee. "Mid‐entry technology strategy: the Korean experience with CDMA." R&D Management 29.4 (1999): 353-363.
  • ...

Japan Stagnation Riddle

…

Japan Tarrif History

Note this is agregate taffirt.

Note ChatGPT Generated.

Here's a historical overview of Japan's average tariff rates from 1858 to 2022:

Year/Period Average Tariff Rate (%) Context
1858–1866 5.0 Imposed by unequal treaties, limiting Japan's autonomy over tariff rates.
1866–1899 5.0 Continued under treaty constraints; Japan lacked control over its tariff policy.
1906 \~10.0 Post-treaty revisions allowed Japan to adjust tariffs; the Tariff Law of 1906 introduced higher rates to protect domestic industries.
1930s \~30.0 During the global economic depression, Japan increased tariffs to protect its economy.
1950s \~15.0 Post-WWII reconstruction period; tariffs were used to protect emerging industries.
1988 4.55 Reflecting gradual liberalization and integration into global trade systems.
1996 4.51 Continued reduction in tariffs as part of international trade agreements.
2013 2.33 Further liberalization in line with global trade practices.
2015 3.52 Slight increase due to specific sector protections.
2018 2.45 Ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers.
2019 3.53 Minor fluctuations reflecting adjustments in trade policy.
2020 2.22 Tariff reductions in response to global economic conditions.
2021 1.84 Lowest average tariff rate, indicating high trade liberalization.

Key Historical Context:

  • 1858–1899: Japan's tariff autonomy was restricted due to unequal treaties with Western powers, capping tariffs at 5%. ([Microeconomic Insights][5])

  • Post-1899: Japan regained control over its tariff policy, allowing for adjustments to protect and develop domestic industries.

  • Post-WWII Period: Tariffs were utilized to shield nascent industries during reconstruction.

  • Late 20th Century: Japan progressively reduced tariffs, aligning with global trade liberalization trends.

  • 21st Century: Japan maintains low average tariff rates, though certain sectors like agriculture still have higher protections.

Exports

Here’s a table showing Japanese exports as a percentage of GDP since 1850, based on historical economic data. Note that precise figures for the early periods (pre-20th century) are estimates due to limited records.

Year Exports (% of GDP) Key Historical Context
1850 ~0.1% Tokugawa Shogunate (isolationist Sakoku policy)
1868 ~0.5% Meiji Restoration begins, Japan opens to trade
1900 ~5% Industrialization accelerates
1913 ~10% Pre-WWI, Japan expands trade in Asia
1929 ~15% Peak before Great Depression
1938 ~8% WWII militarization reduces trade
1945 ~1% Post-WWII devastation
1960 ~10% Post-war recovery, export growth begins
1970 ~11% Rapid industrialization (cars, electronics)
1980 ~14% Japan as global export powerhouse
1990 ~10% Bubble economy bursts
2000 ~11% Stagnation, but strong exports
2010 ~15% Recovery post-2008 crisis
2020 ~18% COVID-19 impacts trade
2023 ~16% Stabilization post-pandemic

Enterprise Money Repatratiation (Profit Repatriation)

Data Point: Repatriated profits equal ~3% of Japan’s GDP (similar to U.S. pre-2017 tax reform).

Here’s a table showing Japanese corporate profit repatriation in U.S. dollars (USD) based on approximate exchange rate conversions from yen:

Year Repatriated Profits (USD Billion) Exchange Rate (JPY/USD) Key Events
2000 ~$23B ¥107 Dot-com bubble, weak yen
2005 ~$35B ¥110 Stable growth, offshoring continues
2010 ~$48B ¥88 Post-financial crisis, strong yen
2015 ~$51B ¥121 Abe tax reforms boost repatriation
2020 ~$75B ¥106 COVID-19 cash needs, supply chain shifts
2022 ~$55B ¥131 Yen weakens to 24-year lows
2023 ~$50B ¥140 Continued yen depreciation

Trade

Long-term: Japan’s current account stays positive thanks to overseas investments (repatriation) and services (tourism).

Civil Service

Political Model

Governance Model

The Higher Level Public Official Examination (国家公務員総合職試験, Kokka Komuin Sogoshoku Shiken).

Japonese Political System

...

Liberal Democratic Party

Business Groups

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DKB_Group
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuyo_Group
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanwa_Group
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Nakayama

Modern Firm Culture

  • Masayoshi Son (SoftBank) – Known for aggressive investments.
  • Akio Toyoda (Toyota) – Represents a family legacy in one of Japan’s most important firms.
  • Nobuyuki Idei (former Sony CEO) – Known for globalizing vision.
  • Hiroshi Mikitani (Rakuten) – Advocates for English-based corporate culture.

Meji Period

  • Technology as the common denominator of Japonese Policy sinse the Meji Restrauration:
    1. Indegenization of technology (kokusanka);
    2. the national commitment to diffuse this learning throughout the economy (hakyu);
    3. and the national, regional, local and sectorial effort to nurture and sustain Japanese enterprises to which technical knowledge can be diffused (ikusei).
Period Main Actors Methods of Reverse Engineering Examples
1868–1880s Government arsenals and shipyards Import foreign machines → Disassemble → Reproduce → Improve Yokosuka Naval Arsenal; Osaka Army Arsenal
1870s onward Technical schools and universities Formal education in engineering; applied studies with foreign technology Tokyo Imperial University; Imperial College of Engineering
1870s–1890s Foreign experts (Oyatoi Gaikokujin) Hands-on setup of industries and direct training of Japanese workers British engineers in shipyards; French military instructors
1890s onward Private companies (Zaibatsu: Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Mitsui) Internal R&D using previously acquired technologies; domestic innovation Mitsubishi Shipbuilding; Sumitomo Mining

Slogans

...

Japanese Pronunciation Meaning
富国強兵 Fukoku Kyōhei "Enrich the country, strengthen the military." (Industrial and military modernization.)
文明開化 Bunmei Kaika "Civilization and enlightenment." (Westernization across society, education, and tech.)
殖産興業 Shokusan Kōgyō "Encourage industry and increase production." (Government-driven industrialization.)
脱亜入欧 Datsu-A Nyū-Ō "Leave Asia, join Europe." (Shift cultural/political alignment toward the West.)
和魂洋才 Wakon Yōsai "Japanese spirit, Western technology." (Modernization while preserving national identity.)
知識の普及 Chishiki no Fukyū "Diffusion of knowledge." (Educational and scientific spread to the population.)
技術普及 Gijutsu Fukyū "Diffusion of technology." (Promotion of technology use across sectors.)
開発と普及 Kaihatsu to Fukyū "Development and diffusion." (R&D and adoption into society.)
和洋折衷 Wayō Secchū "Blending of Japanese and Western styles." (Hybridization of culture, architecture, institutions.)
学問ノススメ Gakumon no Susume "Encouragement of Learning." (Title of Fukuzawa Yukichi's famous work — symbol of education and progress.)
国家独立 Kokka Dokuritsu "National independence." (Strengthening Japan to avoid colonization, via modernization.)
国威発揚 Kokui Hatsuyō "Enhancement of national prestige." (Using modernization to raise Japan’s status internationally.)
興亜会 (organization name but slogan-like) Kōakai "Society for Asian Advancement." (Early idea of leading Asia through strength — diffusion of technology and modernization.)

References

Meiji Model Factories

...

During the Meiji period (1868–1912), the Japanese government established numerous state-owned model factories to spearhead industrialization and serve as exemplars for private enterprise. These factories spanned various industries, including textiles, steel, shipbuilding, and armaments. Below is a more comprehensive list of these government-owned exemplary factories:

🧵 Textile Industry

  1. Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場) – 1872, Gunma Prefecture

    Japan's first modern silk-reeling factory, introducing French machinery and techniques. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  2. Shinmachi Spinning Mill (新町紡績所) – 1877, Gunma Prefecture

    Established to boost silk production using Swiss and German equipment. Later sold to Mitsui and then Kanebo.

  3. Kagoshima Spinning Mill (鹿児島紡績所) – 1867, Kagoshima

    Initiated by the Satsuma Domain with British machinery and engineers. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  4. Nagoya Spinning Mill (名古屋紡績所) – 1887, Aichi Prefecture

    An early adopter of ring spinning technology, contributing to the mechanization of Japan's textile industry.

  5. Aichi Spinning Mill (愛知紡績所) – Established in the 1870s

    Part of the government's initiative to develop the cotton spinning industry.

  6. Hiroshima Spinning Mill (広島紡績所) – Planned in the 1870s

    Although established under government management, it was sold to the private sector before completion.

🔩 Heavy Industry & Steel

  1. Yahata Steel Works (八幡製鉄所) – 1901, Fukuoka Prefecture

    Japan's first major integrated steel plant, built with German assistance. Pivotal for military and industrial development.

  2. Kamaishi Ironworks (釜石製鉄所) – 1890, Iwate Prefecture

    Established by the Ministry of Industries with German engineers. Faced initial challenges but laid the groundwork for Japan's steel industry.

⚙️ Machinery & Engineering

  1. Niigata Engineering Works (新潟鐵工所) – Niigata Prefecture

    Focused on shipbuilding and heavy industry as part of the state's push for maritime strength.

  2. Imperial Printing Bureau (印刷局) – 1871, Tokyo

    Produced banknotes and official documents, introducing modern printing technologies to Japan.

🛠️ Armaments & Military Production

  1. Osaka Arsenal (大阪砲兵工廠) – 1870, Osaka

    One of the largest military arsenals, producing weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

  2. Tokyo Arsenal (東京砲兵工廠) – Established in the 1870s, Tokyo

    Focused on the production of handguns and other small arms for the military.

🚢 Shipbuilding

  1. Ebisugahana Shipyard (恵美須ヶ鼻造船所) – 1865, Yamaguchi Prefecture

    Opened during the Bakumatsu period, it was part of the early efforts to modernize shipbuilding. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  2. Onohama Shipyards (小野浜造船所) – 1878, Kobe

    One of the first modern commercial shipyards in Japan, established by British expatriate Edward Charles Kirby.

🧪 Other Industries

  1. Shinagawa Glass Works (品川硝子製造所) – 1876, Tokyo

    Established to develop the glass industry, introducing Western techniques and equipment.

  2. Senju Woolen Fabric Factory (千住毛織工場) – 1879, Tokyo

    Focused on woolen fabric production, contributing to the diversification of Japan's textile industry.

References