This newly revised clearly-presented text looks at Japans economic history from the nineteenth century through to World War II. Within a framework based on the theories and approaches of Development Studies, it demonstrates the relevance of Japans pre-war experience to the problems facing developing countries today, and draws out the historical roots of the institutions and practices on which Japans post-war economic miracle was based. New features include: - fresh theoretical perspectives - additional material derived from new sources - increased number of case studies - fully up-dated references and bibliography. This broad-ranging textbook is both topical and easy-to-use and will be of immense use to those seeking an understanding of Japanese economic development.