Discuss the reasons, up to 1990, for Japan’s “economic miracle”.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why Japan experienced an “economic miracle” up to 1990. Candidates may provide balance by discussing which of these reasons were the most important. Reasons given by candidates may include US Occupation, major US investment and the important role Japan played during the Korean War. The creation of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) was also an important reason for Japan’s economic growth. Government investment, particularly throughout the 1960s, in infrastructure and the communications and technology industries may also be discussed. The export trade was also significantly developed throughout the 1960s and the 1970s. Candidates, may argue that the disciplined and determined nature of Japanese society also contributed towards their “economic miracle”. Candidates may focus solely on the period up to 1973 or may extend their discussion up to 1990, either of these approaches is valid.