Episode 49: The Japanese Economy After WWII

After WWII, Japan’s economy boomed: it rivaled the US in economic recovery in just 80 years up until the end of the Cold War era. Japan rose from the devastating destruction to recovery in the wake of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to becoming one of the top-performing economies in the world.  Looking at Japan’s economic growth, it is hard to imagine that it once suffered from being on the losing side of WW2 with most citizens of its nation barely had their basic needs met. Japan’s westernization, military growth, defeat, and economic growth were products of interaction with the United States since Matthew Perry showed up at its pier on the very day of July 8th, 1853 forcing isolated Japan to open up to trade with the United States. References 1. Alexander, J. Arthur. “In the Shadow of the Miracle. The Japanese Economy Since the End of the High- Speed Growth” Lexington Books, (2002). 2. Chung, William K., and Denison, Edward F. “How Japan’s Economy Grew So Fast” Washington Press. (1976). 3. Time Magazine < http://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20091003-76650af76aa1d603_large-450x598.jpg>  [Retrieved 1/31/2019]. 4. Nippon Stock Exchange <Nikkei Stock Chart >  [Retrieved 1/24/2019]. 5. Post War Recovery.  < http://www.grips.ac.jp/teacher/oono/hp/lecture_J/lec10.htm>. [Retrieved 1/31/2019] 6. Masahiro, Takada. “Japan’s Economic Miracle: Underlying Factors and Strategies for the Growth” https://www.lehigh.edu/~rfw1/courses/1999/spring/ir163/Papers/pdf/mat5.pdf>. March 1999. 7. Takatoshi, Itō. “ The Japanese Economy, Volume 10.” [Retrieved 1/31/2019]. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pacific-atrocities-education/support