Japan+and+the+Pacific+Rim

Brief Change and Continuity Notes(812-823):

Japan's distinctive Political and Cultural Style: (Change) Key emphasis in Japanese politics was placed on conservatism and stability (Continuity) Revivalism towards the economic styles of the Meiji era -> 1920s Japan era (Change) Japan had increased political unity, and this was largely the result of liberal democratic politicians willing to consult with other parties while in power. Continuity- Japan's political system showed increased interest in business/industry Change- The government of Japan actually began advocating Birth Control and Abortion Change- Japanese culture became increasingly globalized/international, but always preserved key traditions of the past, however cultural transition was not always smooth. Change- Japan's economic prosperity was massive on an international level.. By 1983, it's total national product was worth the combined total products of China, Korea, Taiwan, India,Brazil,Taiwan, Pakistan, and Australia.THough, it was still slightly behind the West. Change: Japanese labor policies were less individualistic and class conscious, especially when compared to that of the West.

The Pacific Rim: Following the Japan model Korea: Change: South Korea was a major example of new economic dynamism (Continuity): Political power in Korea was largely authoritarian, usually weilded by some sort of strongman from the army Continuity: Regular protests to political regimes, especially student demonstrations. Change: Large, japanese-style corporations began to weild great political power, such as Hyundai and Daewoo Changes: Population increases, high emigration rate,intense air pollution, maldistribution of wealth

Taiwan and other areas of the Pacific Rim: Change: increased rate of economic development, as well as formal economic planning Change: Cultural fusion with teh west, importation of Western medicines and forms of entertainment Continuity: Strong political stability, despite new problems Change: Building of many important contacts which helped facilitate trade, including America and Japan. Change: Sexualty and corruption were increasingly scrutinized, especially in the city-state of Singapore In singapore, reported crime rates were very low, but there were also no possibilities for rallying resistance. There was also great economic strength in Singapore, an almost entirely free-market economy. Change: Hong Kong was once again recognized as a major world port, and eventually returned to China in the 1990s.

Overall themes:
 * Stress of the importance of group loyalties against individualism (Used confucianism as a basis)
 * reliance on government planning to improve economy
 * Dynamism in the pacific rim prooved infectious; areas such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand also began developing economically, and having to deal with pollution problems
 * In the final years of this period, fortunes reversed;Growth faltered, unemployment rose, currencies from South Korea to Indonesia took a severe hit. However, the economies began to pick up again by 1999.
 * There was also renewed political pressure, such as the long-time ruler of indonesia being deposed in 1998 in favor of a more democratic system.