Japan is known for many things including its beautiful sites, unique business practices, and strong traditions. Over the centuries Japan has been involved in many wars, upheavals and has suffered through many changes that were forced on the people of this wonderful country. Each time Japan shrunk from world view it reemerged stronger, bigger, better demonstrating that Japanese people are strong individuals who know what it means to work hard and be rewarded. Japan as a country also has had its strength tested both in ancient and modern times. The ancient wars were usually amongst emperors looking to acquire more territory, while the later more modern tribulations were either unclear or bids for economic growth.
Japanese hardships in the late 20th century were the results of fiscal insecurities, and failed economical plans for long term wealth. World War II, left Japan bare and struggling to rebuild its torn country. During the immediate post war years, Japan was occupied by the Allied forces. In the Article “Occupation of Japan” (2008) it is stated that the Allied powers changed Japanese society beginning with its military disarmament and revisions to its constitution. There was also, an industrial disarmament, reducing it to the pre-industrialized times of the 1930's, and many other reforms that impacted Japanese society. (para. 3-4) Due to its enforced isolation and inability to effectively compete in global markets Japan had no other option but to turn inward and focus on rebuilding its war torn nation and finding funding for those who were forever changed by the radiation and grief of lost family members and property.
After many years of rebuilding and reformation Japan in the 1980's emerged anew as a giant in many areas, like technology when Sony released the first CD player in 1982. Although Japanese technology was a major part of Japanese economy, the Japanese were more concerned with real estate. The idea was to use the many new building projects and buildings as a way to permanently rebuild the Japanese economy (Bagli, 1998). This new found glory was short lived, by the end of the 80's Japan real estate bubble burst leaving Japan vulnerable and sinking into stagnation. Then in the summer of 1997 Japan was hit by the Asian Financial Crisis. Many countries in East Asia were dealt devastating blows but were able to bounce back within a few years. By the year 2000, more than half of the countries affected were almost economically equivalent to the years before the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis (“Asian financial crisis”, 2008. para. 6).
Japan, however, slumped further into recession. Japan's extended duration in recession can be accredited to special features that make up the Japanese economy. These distinct features are the foundation of Japanese economy today. The Japanese economy revolves around the country as a whole not only the trading of wealth and information as in Western societies. Although many Japanese oppose the ideology of the Western world and are unwilling to adopt new ideas it has been shown that the adaptation of these ideas could prove to be beneficial to Japanese society. Today modern Japan has discovered a balance between Japanese tradition and Western ideas, tailoring these ideas to the needs of the country.
The affects of globalization on Japan since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis are not as intricate as some of its neighbors. For example The Peoples Republic of China has experienced economic growth within the past decade, India also has experienced major growth, as direct result of globalization and U. S. influence (“Effects of Globalization”, 2008). Many argue that globalization has caused decay and change within Japanese society, while others argue that these changes are fundamental and are needed for Japan to continue to compete in global markets. This paper will demonstrate the effects of globalization on Japanese culture, technology and economy in post war Japan, on both sides. Globalizations' effect on Japan can be seen in many other smaller areas of Japanese society but is most noticeable in these areas. The topics I would like to discuss in the paper are as followed:
1. The Japanese machine: its power cell.
2. The 1997 Asian financial crisis, second wave in the Japanese recession.
3. Changes in the Japanese capitalism.
4. Globalization's influence on Japanese technology.
5. The new traditional Japan
6. What reforms in culture, economy, and technology has globalization had in post war Japan?
The Japanese Machine and Its Power Cell
Western economies focus mainly on the trading of information and technology; this view sees profits and loss only. It provides only technical terms for the totality of trading, importing and exporting without the input of the country's people. The needs of the people are budgeted into the economy, but these benefits and programs are the first to get cut should the government need more money for another project. On the other hand, the Japanese view of the economy includes much more. The characteristics of the Japanese social economy are not just about the trading of information and technology; it is about the people. Joy Hendry (2003) states: the face- to- face relations, their shared value system, the principle of reciprocity, adherence to hierarchy norms, group cooperation, to name a few all influence the Japanese social economy (p. xii, para.4). The Japanese account for the needs of the nation by including it into the fiscal budget as an investment for future generations. This idea of benefitting the children allows Japanese society to continue to successfully participate in Japanese society, hereby, strengthening Japan on the whole. This group mentality is the origin of Japanese pride for their country, community, family and for themselves making the Japanese a strict and nearly immovable object that lives by the mantra that one failure is a failure for all.
