Econ Dev of Japan

This course reviews the history of Japanese economic development from the Edo period (17-19c) to present. Topics are chronologically arranged. Economics is the main focus but social, political, diplomatic and military issues are also covered as necessary background. The reason for Japan's early industrialization, impact of external influences, interaction between economics and politics, and the state's role and private sector dynamism will be featured. Historical data will be amply presented and academic debates by economists and historians will be explained.
Syllabus	Syllabus as of April 2023
Course materials	The textbook is K. Ohno, The History of Japanese Economic Development, Routledge, 2018. This book is OPEN ACCESS (free download). If you prefer a hardcopy, students may purchase the paperback edition at discount from the instructor (4,000 yen). Lecture slides are provided below.
Grading by term paper	Deadline is Friday, July 28, 2023. Submit both electronically and in hardcopy. Choose one topic from below: (i) Assessment of public-private interaction in industrial development of Japan (ii) Comparison of Japanese experience and similar experience of another (your) country (iii) Detailed analysis of Japanese industrialization (beyond class materials & discussion) In each case, one particular period and one particular sector/issue must be selected for analysis. Do not discuss generally or without focus. Use 1 to 3 analytical points if Japan and another country are compared. 10 pages or less, single-spaced. One figure or table, and a list of references must be included. Footnotes/endnotes are optional. Evaluation criteria: topic selection (25%), logical flow (25%), depth of analysis (25%), style and English (25%).

Date	Topic	Textbook chapter	Lecture slides	Related paper
APR 06	Overview and the meaning of modernization for latecomers	ch.1	lec 1
APR 13	Edo period: pre-conditions of industrialization and modernization	ch.2	lec 2
APR 20	Meiji 1: key goals of Meiji government	ch.3	lec 3
APR 27	Meiji 2: politics of Meiji industrialization and modernization	ch.3	lec 4	flexible
MAY 11	Meiji 3: technology transfer and major industries	chs.4&5	lec 5	TT
MAY 18	Meiji 4: budget, finance and macro balance	ch.6	lec 6
MAY 25	World War I and the 1920s: export-led boom and collapse	ch.7	lec 7
JUN 01	Showa Financial Crisis of 1927	ch.8	lec 8
JUN 08	The 1930s and the war economy	ch.9	lec 9
JUN 15	Postwar recovery 1945-49	ch.10	lec 10
JUN 22	Postwar high growth of 1950s-60s	ch.11	lec 11
JUN 29	MITI and industrial policy	ch.11	lec 12
JUL 06	Economic maturity and slowdown 1970s-80s	ch.12	lec 13
JUL 13	Bubble burst, stagnant growth & Abenomics	ch.13	lec 14
JUL 20	Remaining challenges	--	lec 15

Photos of Meiji Japan (mid to late 19c)
	Click for more 1 Yokohama 2 Tokyo & vicinity 3 Mt. Fuji 4 West Japan 5 Tokaido 6 Shops & workers 7 People & life 8 Other scenes These are black & white photos with colors added by painters with a brush.