An Economic Comparison of
Japan
日本国

And
South Korea
대한민국

Introduction
South Korea and Japan have had a close relationship from ancient history to the present day. Because of this reason, their economic growth and development have similarities and disparate differences. This paper will discuss some of the two countries’ major characteristics including geographic, social, and political characteristics and look at their histories and economies.
Another reason that it is natural to compare them is their economic growth has mirrored one another. Both emerged from a war with its economy devastated and its infrastructure in ruins. Both countries changed with the economic climate of the time and took advantage of foreign investment in order to rebuild. Finally, both countries used their strengths to develop their economies to the point that they are world leaders in their field.
Finally, both counties enjoy close political and economic relations with the United States, with each country being among our Top 10 largest trading partners. We have been a good friend to both, which has helped to stabilize relations in the regions between the two.
Brief History (Since World War 2)
The Korean Peninsula was occupied by Japanese forces for 35 years, from 1910 until the end of WW2 in 1945. Due to existing agreements, Japanese forces in Northern Korea surrendered to the Soviets and those in South Korea to the United States.
The Korean War (1950-1953) was an attempt by communist North Korea (with China’s covert and the overt backing) to subvert the whole of Korea to Maoist rule. Although never officially ended, the war concluded in 1953 with an agreement between China and the United Nations to divide North and South Korea into 2 countries.
In the 1950s South Korea had an underdeveloped, agrarian economy that depended heavily on foreign aid. The