Question

Please respond to the following discussion post:

Genghis Khan, Hannibal, and Alexander the Great were all interested in foreign investment but more in terms of go in and take what you want. With the advent of Christopher Columbus, there was more interest in trading but that quickly turned in to the Conquistadores and once again, going in and take what you want. The United States, in its history, from 1st involvement with peoples not indigenous to the United States. has gone through a total transformation. Now we need to consider, with the history of Japan, why would Japan be reluctant just to allow open trade with any foreign entity? Given that the country is currently claimed by China, Japan may be leery about opening its borders up to just anyone or anyone at all. Government restrictions on investment from foreign countries is easily understood.

There are many benefits to allowing greater FDI, but the question remains, what does it mean to be Japanese and will influence from other countries add to that definition or take away from it? I do not think anyone would argue against the idea that foreign influence causes change. The question for any country is, how is the country’s identity maintained amongst foreign ideas, wealth, norms, or any other determining factor causing change?

The book explains how Wal-Mart now has to take a step back after rushing western practices into Japan, which caused the people to balk. Even if Wal-Mart slows its advance, Japan changes. Is it still Japan when the dust settles or another Wal-Mart controlled economic environment?

Answer 1

Openess and free trade is generally foreseen to boost exports and thus completely utilise and optimise productivity in Japan and thereby achieving foreign currency assets from various economies. This helps Japan establish better ties and economic stability.

The country's wealth is maintained using strict government contracts and policies and strong defense power incase of non binding of contracts. Also government must have strongly established central banks which funds acquisition as well as cope up ability of losses.

Its completely controlled Japan advancement which looks for economic trade expansion to seek globalisation and creation of jobs at the sametime maintaining better trade relationswwith US. Hence Japan inherently looks to open up to Walmart despit protests.