In this book Minami studies the last hundred years of Japan's remarkable economic growth from the Meiji period up to the present day. First he reveals the factors which account for Japan's successful economic take-off during the Meiji period. Secondly he explains why Japan achieved a more rapid rate of economic growth than other developed countries. This forms the major part of the book and will interest those people in the developed countries who have felt the full force of Japan's export drive and whose own industries are consequently in decline. Finally the author evaluates the results of Japan's economic growth and makes predictions for its future. The book makes a comprehensive survey of the Japanese experience in the pre- and postwar periods and points out lessons not only for developed countries but also for developing countries struggling to achieve a similar take-off.