Annals of the University of Oradea: Economic Science (Dec 2012)
JAPANESE MONOPOLIST COMPANIES – INSTRUMENTS OF THE 'NATIONAL POLICY'
Abstract
As the title suggests, this article discusses the problem of monopolistic Japanese companies, unique features among advanced countries, and perhaps worldwide. The japanese most ardent desire was always to reach and to overcome the Western, and, as a balanced development of all companies would have taken a long time, japanese policy makers decided to support only those with good performances, around them being concentrated all energies in the east Asian archipelago. Following these important efforts (from the State, small and medium companies, people, etc.), as it is well known, Japan has succeeded, precisely by those holdings, to become a tough opponent for developed countries and even to overcome them, becoming the second global power behind the United States. The importance of this article derives precisely from the fact that these companies (Zaibatsu and later hondings) were the driving force behind Japan's economic development, whether we talk about the period preceding the Second World War or the next one. Even if after the American occupation, it was wanted with at all costs their liquidation, holdings being considered as close to prewar militaristic power, after the American withdrawal from the archipelago, they were rebuilt as a Japanese principle, the foundation of Japanese reconstruction. The paper aims to embody the main dimensions on which these companies have arrived, as well as their structure, the relations between them, their organization. On the topic discussed, the literature contains more general issue of the Japanese economy, without being paid (at least in the contemporary period) consideration to these main pillars of Japanese capitalism development. The main work in which they are giving increased attention is written at the end of the Second World War, thus the need for the additions concerning the next period is important. The authors’ contribution lies precisely in the synthesis of information that he provides, from the appearance of Zaibatsu in the mid-Meiji era, until the Great Depression of the 1990s.
