著者

Yasuo MIYAKAWA

出版者

The Association of Japanese Geographers

雑誌

Geographical review of Japan, Series B (ISSN:02896001)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.72, no.2, pp.75-99, 1999-12-01 (Released:2008-12-25)

参考文献数

15

---

The purpose of this study is to examine the mutation of the Japanese industrial orbit in the global economy through a case study of the Japanese motor vehicle industry, with particular focus on Toyota Motor. The locus of Japan between the Eurasian Continent and the Pacific Ocean has exerted a great influence on the mutation of the orbit that has expanded yet at the same time circumscribed the development of Japanese industries in the global economy, especially since the Meiji Restoration. The concept of locus in this sense has both temporal and timeless meanings, indicating a particular place as a historical entity in its relations with other places that is still alive and responsive to human endeavors. Owing to its locus together with sound entrepreneurship in the innovative ethos of industrial community, Japan was able to synchronize the first wave of the Modern Industrial Revolution from UK with the second wave of the “Information” Industrial Revolution from its industrial frontier, the U. S., at the time of Meiji Restoration. Consequently, Japan made a successful step in a century toward the Neo Industrial Revolution, the third wave under which industries have begun paying due regard to natural providence and human ethics, especially in the environment and welfare industry. Notwithstanding the expansion of the industrial orbit of Japanese firms under the keen competitive-cooperation structure of the global economy, Japan has managed to preserve a steady industrial system and to maintain a sensitive industrial sphere on the global scene.