A Note on Japanese Industrialization Pattern in Comparative Perspective

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.