The Japanese system of developmental capitalism refers to the unique economic model that Japan adopted after World War II, which played a significant role in its rapid economic growth and development.
Key features of the Japanese system of developmental capitalism include:
1. Close collaboration between the government, businesses, and banks: The Japanese government played an active role in guiding and supporting industries through various policies, such as providing subsidies, tax incentives, and access to low-cost capital. This close collaboration helped foster a strong relationship between the government, businesses, and banks, leading to coordinated efforts for economic development.
2. Long-term relationships between businesses and banks: Japanese companies typically maintained long-term relationships with banks, which provided them with stable and low-cost financing. This allowed businesses to focus on long-term planning and investment, rather than short-term profit maximization.
3. Keiretsu system: The keiretsu system refers to the network of interlinked companies, often with cross-shareholdings, that collaborate and support each other. This system helped foster cooperation, information sharing, and stability within industries, as well as facilitated access to resources and markets.
4. Lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion: Japanese companies traditionally offered lifetime employment to their employees and promoted based on seniority rather than merit. This system provided job security and stability, which encouraged loyalty and commitment from employees.
5. Emphasis on innovation and quality: The Japanese system of developmental capitalism placed a strong emphasis on continuous innovation and quality improvement. Companies invested heavily in research and development, as well as in improving production processes, to maintain a competitive edge in global markets.
6. Export-oriented growth strategy: Japan focused on exporting its manufactured goods to international markets, particularly the United States. This export-oriented growth strategy helped drive economic expansion and allowed Japanese companies to benefit from economies of scale.
The Japanese system of developmental capitalism was highly successful in the post-war period, leading to Japan's emergence as a global economic powerhouse. However, it also faced challenges and criticisms, such as the lack of diversity in corporate governance, limited mobility for workers, and the eventual bursting of the asset price bubble in the 1990s.