The Origins of Economic Thought in Modern Japan

The Origins of Economic Thought in Modern Japanfocuses on the economic thought of the Japanese enlightenment, a period which provides the key to the later economic development of Japan. Chuhei Sugiyama identifies the forces which led to the institutionalization of business and economic education, and the birth of pioneering business enterprise and serious economic journalism in Japan. He gives particular emphasis to the ascendance and predominance of nationalism among proponents of protectionism and free trade. The book also examines the writings of influential figures and the establishment of economic institutions which were to play a major role in later economic development. The final chapter discusses the Imperial Constitution in a historical context and marks the decline of the enlightenment period and the ascendance of imperialism.