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Japan-The Economic Power Japan’s rapid rise as an economic power in the 20th century, was to a certain extent due to its ability to efficiently assimilate aspects of western society, while retaining its cultural identity and values. But Japan’s economic miracle was predominately due to the industrial modernization that took place in the Meiji Restoration and the post war restrictions imposed by the American occupational forces after WW2 Although it was after WW2 that Japan was formerly recognized as a world power, the beginnings of Japan’s reform and acceptance by the western nations came about through the Meiji restoration (1867-1912) a period of modernization that was believed by many of Japan’s leaders as essential for the country’s survival in the modern era. The modernization and reform focused primarily in the areas of industry, government and education, and Japan was determined to catch up and eventually surpass the western nations . “Indeed the first 2 decades of the Emperor Meiji’s reign saw a Japan to all appearances intoxicated with the strong wine of Western thought, technique and custom” -Richard Storry 1969, A history of modern Japan, Penguin The astonishing speed in which the restorati