Nuclear Attack and Recovery of Japan

Nuclear Attack and Recovery of Japan

It was the morning of 6th August 1945 about 8:16 AM. The inhabitants of Hiroshima were getting ready for the day and then suddenly 10000kg Plutonium bomb named "little boy" hit the city. The whole city was converted into rubble within a fraction of seconds and 70000 people were killed. Japan was in complete awe & suspicion. The city hasn't recovered from its first trauma, yet again on 9th August another Nuclear bomb "Fat man" hit Nagasaki killing another 80000 people. The two cities were utterly destroyed and emitted radiation continued

Major cities of Japan- Hiroshima and Nagasaki

to engulf people. Japan was in a state of complete turmoil with widespread hunger, lack of resources, and unemployment caused due to shutting & destroyed industries. The per capita GDP was reduced by 47% and there was complete hopelessness and poverty. But to everyone's shock just within 23 years Japan emerged as Phoenix from the ashes becoming the second largest economy after the USA leaving behind France, British & Russia. The question arises what factor led Japan to be an example of an economic miracle and what India can learn from it?

After Japan's defeat, the USA disbanded the Japanese Army and it was under their protection. Japan grabbed this opportunity to direct its resources in economic development which was used to maintain the Army. Another major reform in governance was the land reform system in which land from big landowners was purchased at a cheaper cost and it was distributed to small tenants. Farmers were also given subsidies with regulation which led to increase in agricultural production. An important economic model Keiretsu was implemented which gave rise to various industrial giants such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. Keiretsu model was based on the partnership of manufacturers, suppliers & distributors that work cooperatively to increase efficiency & reduced cost. Excellent education with the highest literacy rate added to it. Japanese corporations through lifetime employment gave safe job assurance to their employees in return for longer working hours.

What India can learn from Japan?

First, in international diplomacy pride comes second to the country's benefit. It was hard to swallow for the Japanese to accept USA supremacy but the Japanese used this as an opportunity to get US support and even access to their market.

Second, cooperation and faith benefited everyone as in the case of Keiretsu instead of cut-throat competition.

Third, the attitude of people is most important for a country's prosperity. Japanese people worked very hard for their country to revamp the economy instead in India where employees get complacent becoming sluggish bureaucrats.

“Defeat is not the end of Japan, In future, we will be the strongest Nation.” By Emperor Hirohit

Also Read- AATA - SATA TRADITION

Written By-

Nitish