Бакалавриат 2025/2026

Экономика и политика Японии

Статус: Курс по выбору (Программа двух дипломов НИУ ВШЭ и Университета Кёнхи «Экономика и политика в Азии»)

Где читается: Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики

Когда читается: 3-й курс, 3, 4 модуль

Охват аудитории: для своего кампуса

Язык: английский

Кредиты: 10

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course explores the political and economic transformation of Japan from Meiji Restoration to Abenomics. Although Korea shares many common aspects in developmental paths, institutional features, and cultural heritages with Japan, Korean people have oftentimes difficulty in understanding the seemingly idiosyncratic behaviors and institutional changes, or un-changes, of Japanese politics and economy. In this course, students acquire necessary skills to apply machine learning techniques for economic data analysis, including the application of diffusion models and random forest for predicting, analyzing and modeling economic and political processes using the example of Japan. It thus aims to give students a better understanding of the Japanese way of politics and the nature of economic ups and downs from a historical and comparativist angle. While largely in chronological order, this course offers each session with a specific theme to delve into.

Learning Objectives

• Students are expected to have a general understanding of the Japanese politics and economy by perusing assigned readings and attending lectures.
• Students are also expected to elaborate a particular interest with respect to Japanese politics and economy and write a themed paper about it.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain knowledge of lost decades in Japan, problems that have been revealed in the political and economic spheres, attempts to overcome the crisis and possibly a new rise in Japanese nationalism
• Students will learn about the main challenges of the economic and political system of Japan in the 70-90s of the 20th century, and the consequences of the onset of the economic crisis.
• Students will learn about the main events that took place in Japan in economics and politics from the Meiji period to the occupation of Japan by American forces
• Students will learn the basic prerequisites and reasons for the emergence of the Japanese economic miracle, as well as its impact on all aspects of life

Course Contents

• From Meiji to WWII
• Japanese economic miracle
• From an economic miracle to an economic pit
• The Lost Decade(s)

Assessment Elements

• Midterm
• Assignment
  The assignment is a homework, which consists of two questions to be answered in the form of essays (max 1 page each).
• Final exam
  The final exam is mandatory for all course participants.
• Attendance

Interim Assessment

• 2025/2026 4th module
  0.125 * Assignment + 0.125 * Assignment + 0.125 * Attendance + 0.125 * Attendance + 0.25 * Final exam + 0.125 * Midterm + 0.125 * Midterm

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• 9780191006784 - Flath, David - The Japanese Economy, 3rd ed. - 2014 - Oxford University Press - http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=711347 - nlebk - 711347

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Kabashima, I., & Steel, G. (2010). Changing Politics in Japan. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=671471

Authors