A Note on Japanese Industrialization Pattern in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

This note gives a synoptical look at Japanese industrialization

process in the order of standard periodization, and compares

Japanese economic growth, especially in the early MEG

stage, with those of nineteenth century European, and of postwar

developing countries' development patterns. To this end, a

revised income series was obtained, and characteristic features

at similar income levels were put against the Chenery-Syrquin

type "normal" variations. Among others, most idiosyncratic

aspects of Japanese development pattern lie in the structure of

production and sectoral productivity. Very high growth rate and

slow structural change produced a large and increasing productivity

gap, resulting in the demise of rural area.