Japan is not a specialty industry. Japanese industry and its development

After the end of World War II, the economy Japan developed along the evolutionary path, where the predominant development received metallurgy, heavy and transport engineering, petrochemistry, however, since the mid-1970s, the revolutionary path of development began to prevail in Japanese industry, and at present Japan is the world leader in almost all science-intensive sectors of the economy: microelectronics, robotics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals etc.

A characteristic feature of the territorial structure of Japan's economy is the most powerful concentration of industrial (3/4) and agricultural production (2/5) and non-production spheres (especially finance - 3/4, science and education - almost 1/2) in the Pacific industrial belt, stretching from Tokyo to Nagasaki.

At the same time, starting from the 1980s, the process of deconcentration of production was outlined for the Japanese economy, the weakening of the attraction to the sea coast and the development of inland regions, expressed in the creation of about 30 technopolises throughout the country - cities of science and new high-tech industries.

A feature of Japan is also the huge dependence of the economy on imports of raw materials and exports of finished products.

Figure 92. Japan's dependence on imports of certain types of raw materials

By production electricity (over 1 trillion kWh) Japan ranks third in the world, second only to the United States and China. The basis of modern energy in Japan is made up of thermal power plants, producing almost 60% of all electricity and using mainly imported raw materials (oil, gas and coal). Nuclear power has reached a high level of development, which accounts for over 30% of the electricity produced. Japan has built the world's most powerful thermal power plants - Kashima and nuclear power plants - Fukushima.

Ferrous metallurgyJapan is completely based on imported raw materials, and therefore almost the entire industry is concentrated in large port cities - Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuyama, Wakayama, Kitakyushu. Japan is the world's largest importer of iron ore (about 120 million tons). The main suppliers of iron ore to Japan are Australia, India and Brazil. In terms of steel production (about 120 million tons), Japan ranks 2nd in the world, second only to China, but unlike Chinese, Japanese steel is of the highest quality.

For nonferrous metallurgy Japan is characterized by the final stages of production. For the production of refined copper, nickel, zinc, Japan ranks 3rd in the world, for the production of secondary aluminum - 2nd place. The largest centers of aluminum metallurgy are Toyama and Niigata, copper - Hitachi and Sakai, lead and zinc - Akita and Toyama.

Mechanical engineering - the leading branch of Japanese industry, characterized by a complex structure, in which the most science-intensive and labor-intensive industries are especially distinguished: electronics, electrical industry and transport engineering.

For the production of passenger cars (more than 9.5 million units, or 1/5 of the world production), Japan has consistently ranked 1st in the world for many years. About half of Japan's cars produced are exported.

The main centers automotive industry Japan are Tokyo, Toyoda, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Kawasaki.

For many decades, Japan has been constantly occupying. 1st place in the world for production ships... In some years, Japan produces up to 40% of their world tonnage. The main centers of Japanese shipbuilding are Yokohama, Yokosuka, Kobe, Nagasaki and Kure.

The highest level of development received railway machinery (Kobe), especially the production of high-speed trains, but aviation industry in Japan it is rather poorly developed. Material from the site

Japan is the undisputed leader in the production of electronic and household electrical products. In the late 1990s, Japanese companies, including their overseas subsidiaries, accounted for 90% of the world production of VCRs, more than 60% of industrial robots, about 60% of color televisions, and 50% of numerically controlled machine tools. The main centers electronic and electrical industry Japan's are Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hitachi.

Japan is one of the leading countries in terms of development chemical industry... Almost all types of chemical industry are developed in Japan, from oil refining to fine chemicals. Chemical industry enterprises, using imported raw materials, gravitate towards the Pacific industrial belt, where such major centers as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Yokkaichi, etc. stand out.

3.1 Japanese mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering in Japan is a rather motley structural entity. A large role is played by the modernized industries of mass export-oriented production, which held a leading position in the 60-70s. (shipbuilding, automotive, some types of general mechanical engineering), and new high-tech industries (electronics, modern shipbuilding, aerospace, instrument making, robotics) are actively developing.

In the branches of the machine-building complex, almost 44% of all industrial products (by value) are currently produced, including almost 20% in the radio-electronic and electrical industries, 15% in transport engineering, less than 10% in general engineering.

Originated long before the scientific and technological revolution, Japanese shipbuilding has not left the scene in recent decades. On the contrary, since 1956. Japan held the world championship in it. And only in the most recent years, the Republic of Korea caught up with Japan. The profile of the industry is also gradually changing, which is increasingly moving from the production of supertankers and large-capacity bulk carriers to ships of more complex types.

Despite the fact that the enterprises of the automotive industry in Japan in recent years have slightly reduced the production of cars, the automotive industry still largely determines the "face" of Japan in the international geographical division of labor. Suffice it to say that this industry forms 1/10 of Japan's total GDP. It directly employs about 700 thousand workers, but if we also take into account the operation and maintenance of the car park in the country and abroad, then at least 5-6 million people. The largest automobile companies are Toyota (Nagoya region), Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi.

General engineering is also developed in Japan, aimed both at export and at providing machinery and equipment for its own economy. In the production of metal-working machines, Japan came out on top in the world back in 1982. In the future, she specialized mainly in CNC machines and industrial robots (fleet - 420 thousand out of 780 thousand in the world), and in this she had no equal. The main enterprises of the industry are concentrated within the Pacific industrial belt, but some of its areas have a certain specialization. In the Tokyo region, the "upper echelon" of general engineering is predominantly developed, the production of the most complex types of equipment, in Osaka, the prevalence of plants for the production of heavy metal-intensive engineering is noticeable.

In terms of the scale of the electronics industry, Japan is second only to the United States. But in terms of export volume, its products rank first. In the mid-1990s. this industry employed 1.8 million people. In terms of science intensity, it surpasses all other industries, and is distinguished by a high degree of monopolization (Matsushita, Hitachi, Toshiba, Sony, NEC, Fujitsu, etc.). Previously, Japan specialized mainly in consumer electronics, but later moved on to more sophisticated products. For example, personal computers in the late 1990s. 8 million units were produced per year. In terms of the total number of computers in operation (about 50 million), Japan is second only to the United States.

The development of Japanese mechanical engineering, like the entire economy as a whole, was significantly facilitated by the establishment of a new form of organization of labor and production, which was called toyotism (post-Fordism).

The introduction of Toyota principles has ensured a more efficient use of labor and equipment, while improving the quality of the variety of products.

3.2 US Mechanical Engineering

The engineering complex of the United States (mechanical engineering and metalworking) employs 2/5 of all those employed in industry, who create 2/5 of industrial output (in value). High science intensity and labor productivity with low capital intensity contributed to the transformation of this sphere into the base of scientific and technological progress, ensuring the restructuring of the entire economy, comprehensive mechanization and electronization.

Over the past 30 years, the share of general mechanical engineering and instrument making has increased, while the share of transport engineering and electrical engineering in the structure of this sector has decreased. The greatest changes took place in the 1980s under the influence of the military-industrial complex (hence the growth of the aerospace industry and electrical engineering) and the increased competition between Japan in the field of electrical engineering and the automotive industry. High monopolization of machine building is characteristic.

Automotive industry. The car has long become a symbol of American life. 4/5 of all families have cars. Almost 6 million people are employed in the production and assembly of cars, in trade, repair and maintenance. More than 55 million cars (about 150 thousand per day) leave the conveyors of car factories annually, cars account for more than 12% of all world trade, and millions of workers are employed in the automotive industry.

In 1997, the value of the gross output of the US automotive industry exceeded $ 260 billion, and the share of the automotive industry amounted to 4.4% of the country's GDP. The US auto industry and auto service employs 12-13 million people, or 17% of all employed in the country's industry. The automotive industry accounts for 60% of all industrial robots and manipulators, more than 12% of all R&D carried out in the United States - more than pharmaceuticals, electronics and even computer science, while the fixed assets of the automotive industry account for only 4.6% of the value of all fixed assets manufacturing industry in the United States.

The weather in the global automotive industry is caused by the 6 largest concerns, which account for 57.5% of the total world production, and the top ten companies - 80%. The American auto giant General Motors alone produces every seventh car in the world!

Almost 3/4 of the world's auto production is in passenger cars and only 1/4 in trucks and buses. The main volume of passenger car production falls on the countries of Europe (39%) and Asia (30%). North American production declined to 24% on the back of a surge in light truck production, which accounted for more than 45% of total vehicle production in the region.

The US automobile industry plays an extremely important role in the country's economy. With a huge multiplier effect, the automotive industry strongly influences the development of many industries. The industry is very susceptible to new trends in the economy, which is reflected in the change in its geography.

Aerospace industry. This industry is associated with the military-industrial complex. The largest monopolies McDonnell-Douglas, Boeing, Lockheed and others operate here. Private companies concentrated 9/10 of military products. The main area of \u200b\u200bthe ARKP was formed in the Pacific states even before the Second World War. The main centers - Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Jose, Anaheim - are located in California. The second important ARCP area is near Seattle, where Boeing's operations are located. For military orders, California is ahead (1/5 of orders), followed by Texas, then New York, Missouri and Connectic.

Page 1

1. Metallurgy has undergone major changes in recent years. Instead of many outdated factories, powerful factories were built, equipped with the latest technology. Not having enough of its raw material base, Japan is guided by the import of iron ore and coking coal. Malaysia and Canada were and remain major suppliers of iron ore. The main suppliers of coal are USA, Australia; to a lesser extent - India and Canada. Japan is the second largest producer of refined copper in the world, after the United States. Deposits of polymetallic ores form the basis for the development of zinc and lead production.

2. The power industry in Japan is guided mainly by imported raw materials (mainly oil and oil products). Oil imports are over 200 million tons (own production of 0.5 million tons in 2007). The share of coal in consumption is decreasing, the share of natural gas in consumption is growing (imported in a reduced form). The role of hydropower and nuclear energy is growing. Japan has a powerful electric power industry. Over 60% of the capacity is accounted for by thermal power plants (the largest by 4 million kW). A nuclear power plant has been under construction since the mid-60s. Currently, over 20 nuclear power plants are operating on imported raw materials (more than 40 power units). They provide about 30% of electricity. The country has built the most powerful nuclear power plants in the world (including Fukushima - 10 power units).

3. Japan's shipbuilding is very diverse: the world's largest supertankers and other ships are leaving the shipyards of Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Nagasaki and many other shipbuilding centers. Shipbuilding specializes in the construction of large-capacity tankers and bulk carriers. The total tonnage of ships built in Japan is 40% of the world tonnage. In shipbuilding, the country firmly ranks first in the world (2nd place - the Republic of Korea). Shipbuilding and ship repair facilities are located throughout the country. The main centers are located in the largest ports (Yokohama, Nagasaki).

4. The production of non-ferrous metals is material and energy intensive. They are classified as “environmentally dirty” industries, therefore, a significant reorganization of the industry has been carried out. In the last decade alone, the smelting of non-ferrous metals has decreased 20 times. Converting factories are located in almost all large industrial centers.

5. Mechanical engineering in Japan includes many industries (shipbuilding, automotive, general mechanical engineering, instrument making, radio electronics, aerospace). There are a number of large factories in heavy machine building, machine tool building, and equipment for the light and food industries. But the main industries are electronics, radio and transport engineering.

* In terms of car production (13 million units per year) in recent years, Japan also ranks first in the world (industry products account for 20% of Japanese exports). The most important centers of the industry are Toyota (Nagasaki region), Yokohama, Hiroshima.

* The main enterprises of general machine building are located within the Pacific industrial belt: in the Tokyo region - complex machine tool building, industrial robots; in Osaka - metal-consuming equipment (near the centers of ferrous metallurgy); in the Nagoya region - machine tool building, production of equipment for other industries.

* Enterprises of the radio-electronic and electrical engineering industries are guided by centers with a qualified workforce, with a well-developed transport system, with a developed scientific and technical base. In the early 1990s, Japan accounted for over 60% of the production of industrial robots, ½ of CNC machines and pure ceramic products, and 60 to 90% of the production of certain types of microprocessors in the world. Japan maintains a leading position in consumer electronics and electronic equipment manufacturing. The country's share in the world production of color TVs (including production at foreign enterprises of Japanese companies is more than 60%, video recorders - 90%, etc.). The products of science-intensive industries account for about 15% of the total industrial production in Japan. And in general, for mechanical engineering products - about 40%.

* Enterprises of the oil refining, as well as the chemical industry gravitate towards the main centers of the Pacific industrial belt - in the Tokyo agglomeration of the Alan industrial belt. In the Tokyo metropolitan area (Kawasaki, Chiba, Yokohama), in the Osaka and Nagoya regions, enterprises use imported raw materials. In terms of the development of the chemical industry, Japan is one of the first in the world.

1. Recently, metallurgy has undergone significant changes. Instead of many obsolete factories, they have created powerful factories equipped with the latest technology.

Japan, which does not have enough raw materials, focuses on imports of iron ore and coking coal. The main suppliers of iron ore were and remain Malaysia and Canada. The main suppliers of coal are the USA, Australia; to a lesser extent in India and Canada.

Japan is the second largest producer of refined copper in the world by the United States. Polymetallic ore deposits are the basis for the development of zinc and lead production.

2. The Japanese energy sector is mainly focused on imported raw materials (mainly oil and oil products). Oil imports exceed 200 million.

tons (own production - 0.5 million tons.

Industry and agriculture in Japan

tons for 2007). The share of coal in consumption is decreasing, the consumption of natural gas is increasing in consumption (it is imported in a reduced form). The role of hydropower and nuclear power is growing. Japan has strong electricity. More than 60% of the capacity is accounted for by thermal power plants (maximum 4 million kW). Nuclear power plants have been built since the mid-1960s. Currently, more than 20 nuclear power plants operate on imported raw materials (more than 40 energy units). They provide about 30% of electricity.

The country has built the most powerful nuclear power plants in the world (including Fukushima - 10 units).

3. Japan's shipbuilding industry is very diverse: from Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Nagasaki and many other shipbuilding centers, the world's largest supertanker and other ships are located.

Shipbuilding specializes in the construction of large capacity tankers and dry cargo ships. The total tonnage of ships built in Japan is 40% of the world's tonnage. In shipbuilding, the country has firmly taken first place in the world (2nd place is the Republic of Korea). Shipbuilding and ship repair companies are located throughout the country. The main centers are located in the largest ports (Yokohama, Nagasaki).

4. The production of non-ferrous metals is material and energy intensive. As for the "environmentally dirty" industry, such an important reorganization of the industry.

In the last decade, the smelting of non-ferrous metals has decreased 20 times. Oil refineries are located in almost all major industrial centers.

5. The engineering industry in Japan includes various industries (shipbuilding, automotive, general mechanical engineering, instrument making, radio electronics, aircraft construction).

There are a number of large heavy engineering plants, machine tools, lighting equipment and food processing. The most important industries were electronics, radio and transport technology.

* In recent years, Japan has also ranked first in the automotive industry (13 million units per year) (20% of Japan's exports are industry).

The most important industrial centers are Toyota (Nagasaki area), Yokohama, Hiroshima.

* The main companies of general engineering are located in the industrial zone of the Pacific Ocean: in the Tokyo area - sophisticated hardware, industrial robots; in Osaka - metal-intensive equipment (near the centers of the metallurgical industry); in the Nagoya region - mechanical engineering, production of equipment for other industries.

* Companies in the radio and electronics industry are focused on centers with a skilled workforce, well-developed transportation system and a well-developed scientific and technical base.

Japan accounted for over 60% of industrial robot production, ½ CNC machine tools and pure ceramics - 60 to 90% of the world's production of certain types of microprocessors in the early 1990s.

Japan is a leader in consumer electronics and electronic equipment manufacturing. The share of the country in the world of production of color televisions (taking into account the production of Japanese companies in foreign companies is more than 60%, VCRs - 90%, etc.). The products of knowledge-intensive industries account for about 15% of the total industrial production in Japan. And in general for engineering products - about 40%.

* Refineries, as well as the chemical industry, gravitate towards the main centers of the industrial zone of the Pacific Ocean - in the agglomeration of the industrial zone of the industrial belt of Tokyo.

In the metropolis of Tokyo (Kawasaki, Chiba, Yokohama) in the Osaka and Nagoya regions, companies use imported raw materials. Depending on the level of development of the chemical industry, Japan takes one of the first places in the world.

pages: 1 2

More about the topic:

Territorial division of labor in Vologda
rhetorical economic cooperation works Vologda Since January 1, 2006, in accordance with Federal Law No. 131 "On General Principles of Local Self-Government in the Russian Federation" in the Vologda Oblast, it consists of 372 municipalities: 26 municipal districts ...

Providing Russia with various types of coal
The Russian Federation has a huge reserve of coal balance (more than 200 billion tons - 12% of world reserves) for actual research - 105 billion tons of coal geological resources are estimated at 4450 billion tons (30 percent of world reserves) .... By types of coal in the structure of Russia's proven reserves ...

Economic ties of South Korea
Western Countries Trade relations with Western countries include economic partnerships, especially with the United States and the European Union.

The United States is South Korea's main economic partner. In addition, South Korea ranks seventh on the list of US trading partners, ahead of many developed ...

The largest corporations in Japan

All major industrial companies in Japan are multinational corporations, one of the largest in the world. They have very high positions in the list of the 500 largest TNCs in the world: Toyota engine, Honda engine - in the automotive industry; Hitachi, Sony, NEC - in electronics; Toshiba, Fujitsu, Canon - in the production of computer equipment, etc.

By the end of the twentieth century, the number of enterprises, enterprises and enterprises in Japan amounted to more than 1.8 million, and industrial - 720 thousand. Of these, only 632 are companies, accounting for only 0.1%, with over a thousand employees.

The modern construction industry in Japan is a classic two-tier system: at the highest level there are relatively few large corporations, the lower level consists of more than 500,000 small subcontractors. For large construction companies, Shimizu Corporation, Taisei Corporation, Kajima Corporation, Takenaka Corporation, Obayashi Corporation and Kumagai Gumi, Fujita Corporation, TODA Corporation, Hazama Corporation, Tokyo Construction and Mitsui Construction.

The largest Japanese corporations today are advanced technological concepts and the construction of ultra-modern skyscrapers, their factories are equipped with special devices for the automatic assembly of high-tech components, the Corporation is the world's leading company in the construction of tunnels and underground structures for various purposes.

Finally, and most importantly, they have the most modern technologies in the field of robotics and computer automation of construction processes and the construction of "smart" buildings (buildings with automated life support systems), as well as the massive use of modular installation models.

The strong interest of the largest Japanese corporations in building construction is in many ways a reflection of a trend that has been clearly demonstrated in recent decades - the growing concentration of the Japanese population in the central meganes.

Therefore, one of the possible ways to solve the problem of new affordable housing in Japanese meganes, actively supported by the leadership of the Kajima Corporation, is the active construction of tall and extremely tall buildings.

INDUSTRY OF JAPAN

Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi) is one of the largest Japanese corporations specializing in the production of automobiles. Today Mitsubishi is one of the largest vehicles in the world with the widest range of models - from minibuses to heavy trucks and special vehicles. Mitsubishi's World Rally victories are undeniable and numerous; Her models have received a huge number of awards.

The structure of the Japanese economy

Sectoral structure of the Japanese economy : services - about 70%; industry - about 25; agriculture, forestry and fishing - about 5%.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the share of agriculture, food, textiles, manufacturing, metallurgy and other industries fell in Japan's GDP. Electronics and services began to develop at a high level. The production of computers, telecommunications networks, word processing systems, consumer electronics, industrial robots is the main focus of capital investments for Japanese entrepreneurs.

The goal of Japanese investment policy is not to expand production, but to modernize equipment based on scientific research. Approximately 19% of GDP goes to fixed assets.

industry ... The extraction of mountain products is declining. Production in Japan has the following structure (% in the total economy): mechanical engineering - 50.2%, chemical and petrochemical industry - 12, food - 10.8, wood, paper - 9, metallurgy - 6.5, light industry - 4, 2, building materials, porcelain in faience - 3.3%.

Mechanical engineering tends to increase and is divided into: general engineering, electrical engineering (including electrical appliances), vehicles, communications, precision instruments, etc.

Electrical engineering Japan has received worldwide recognition.

Includes household electrical engineering, robotics, computer production. It is the largest subsector of hardware construction. Japan pays serious attention to the use of robotics in everyday life.

Automotive industry ... By the number of cars produced (by the number of cars and worse by trucks and buses-1), the United States is the second largest in the world. It is focused on exporting products for the national!

(especially in Asian countries).

shipbuilding (about 30% of the global shipbuilding industry) ranks second in the Republic of Korea. The production of ships for international traffic prevails.

metallurgy It is divided into three groups: black, non-ferrous and metal products.

One of the leading steel producers in the world. In addition to iron ore, Japan actively uses secondary raw materials for its production.

Light industry textile, food, paper and chemical industries.

The production of drugs is in progress.

Food industry There are some peculiarities in Japan. 1. There are a number of special (traditional) types of food products, the production of which is almost impossible to replace with imports. 2. The Japanese food industry produces products of the highest readiness level.

3. Widely used substitutes for salt, sugar, fat, etc. (they are popular low-calorie foods). The volume of food production is relatively stable as it is mainly for domestic consumption and is not exported.

Chemical industry it is a knowledge-based industry.

Petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals play an important role.

Paper industry is traditional, but it has problems (due to the lack of wood and the need to use recycled materials in this regard).

construction - special industry in Japan (due to high urbanization and the need for engineering and construction works, which are mainly invested by the state). Norm, precision and high quality are the norm.

agriculture .

The treated territories occupy 15% of the country's territory. Industry provides nearly 3/4 of the country's nutritional needs by increasing agricultural production and therefore increasing investment in industry. Intensification instructions are land management, seasonal expansion, mechanization and chemicals.

However, in recent years, the level of self-sufficiency of food sources and the growth of their imports have significantly decreased. Japan is the largest importer of agricultural products, especially grain and feed (60% of food).

The basis of agriculture is small farms (1.2 hectares).

Plant production .

The main grain product is rice (10-12 million tons), which accounts for over 50% of crops, followed by wheat, soybeans and vegetables.

Livestock playing in Japan is not as important as growing rice. Japanese people spend much less meat and dairy products than people in Western countries.

However, over the past decade, the role of livestock has grown significantly. This is developing especially rapidly; , pork and chicken poultry.

Traditionally developed fishing , the role of industry is constant; It is increasing.

Fish, like rice, remains the main food. To catch fish, Japan ranks second in China, while fish consumption is second in Iceland.

One of the major problems in the further development of Japanese agriculture is the change in the structure of the population. First, the number of workers in industry is completely declining; Secondly, the proportion of citizens over the age of 60 is increasing. The number of commercial farms is declining markedly.

Another problem is the need to improve technologies for processing agricultural products.

Services sector includes: electricity, gas and heat facilities, water supply, transport, communications, trade, finance, insurance, management, household and recreational services ("sabzhi" - "service industry")

It employs 63.7% of employees.

Saby Sphere - The “service sector” is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in Japan (not only in the service sector, but in the entire national economy) and in terms of production - the same as the entire manufacturing industry as a whole.

Characteristics of the sectoral and territorial structure of the Japanese economy

Japan took over in 2004.

more than 6.5% of world GDP, 12% of world industrial production. The volume of foreign trade is about 11.2% of the world trade turnover.

Early twentieth century.

Japan's economy is characterized by the following structure: agriculture, forestry and fisheries account for 2.2% of GDP and 5.4% of work; The industry generates about 41.1% of GDP, employs 34.6% of workers; the service sector accounts for 56.7% of GDP and 60% of the workforce in this sector.

Unlike other G7 countries, where the share of intangible production is higher, Japan has an excellent role for the industry.

Japan is one of the largest investors in the world: it accounts for about 40% of the world's credit capital. Mainly in bonds, US and EU securities.

Japanese industry and its development

A feature of recent times is a sharp increase in direct investment. They cost an average of $ 15.5 billion. USA per year.

Since the 80s. Japan has become one of the largest financial centers in the world.

The Japanese market for cash and capital is valued at over $ 6 trillion. This is the second US number (US $ 9.9 billion). The stock listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange is worth more than $ 3 trillion.

This is more than the New York Stock Exchange.

In terms of research and development spending, Japan is the second largest in the world, behind only the United States. R&D spending is more than 3% of GDP and reaches 80% of the US level.

New and modern industrial sectors based on advanced technologies are developing: 1) the production of communication and information technologies, 2) the production of new composite materials, and 3) biotechnology.

Japanese industry can be divided into two groups of industries:

1. Material-intensive production: steel-making, petrochemical, automotive, shipbuilding.

The importance of these industries diminishes over time. By the early eighties. in the shipbuilding industry, 40% of the capacity was represented in the aluminum industry - 45%, in the production of synthetic fibers - 20%;

2. high-tech industries: robot manufacturing (50% of the global scale), computers, semiconductors (40% of world production), consumer electronics.

The country ranks first in the world in the production of metal-cutting machine tools, industrial robots, photographic equipment and other products, the second in the production of ships.

The level of consumer goods production remains high, which is mainly export-oriented.

The production of medical electronic equipment, microelectronics, and numerical control devices is increasing. Japan has set itself the task of developing near the universe.

The main engineering facilities are concentrated in the industrial zone of the Pacific Ocean.

The exclusive location is occupied by the Tokyo region (Keihin), which supplies over 30% of mechanical engineering products. A whole chain of industrial units is being created on the coast of the inland sea of \u200b\u200bJapan. The state promotes the industrial development of the country's border regions.

Fuel and energy complex. For a long time, it was the backbone of the energy sector in the form of coal and wood.

The growth of heavy industry has led to significant changes in the energy base of East Japan, where the most energy-intensive industries are concentrated. The volume of consumption of imported oil and coking coal has significantly decreased, while the share of national energy sources has significantly decreased.

The energy base of Japanese industry is very vulnerable. 80% of this depends on oil imports.

Japan currently consumes 5% of the world's electricity production. In 2002, it produced 1,038 billion kilowatts. electric current, has passed this indicator to third place in the world in the United States and China. In its development, the Japanese power industry has gone through several stages. The first of these can be called hydropower, it has dropped to 50 years. The second stage covered the 60s and the first half of the 70s.

The third stage began from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. Fourth - from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. The latter is from the mid-nineties to the present day.

In 2003, the production of chemical products in Japan in value terms increased by 1% compared to 2002 and amounted to 22.75 trillion. yen (over $ 181 billion). According to this indicator, the country still ranks second after the United States in the world and first in Asia.

In this sector of the economy there are more than 5 thousand enterprises with a total number of employees about 364 thousand. The five leading producers of chemical products in Japan include companies (sales in 2003, $ billion): Mitsubishi Chemical - 16.2, Asahi Kasei - 11.1, Sumitomo Chemical 9.5, Mitsui Chemicals 9.1, Ube Industries 4.9.

In 2003, the level of sales and profits of the largest chemical companies in the country increased slightly.

Exports of chemical products from Japan in 2003 increased against 2002 by 16.5% and reached $ 38.5 billion. About 60% of exports are directed to Asian countries, primarily to China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan.

It is based on organic and inorganic compounds, plastics, varnishes and paints, pharmaceuticals, etc. Imports of chemicals to Japan (mainly from the EU and the USA) in 2003 increased by 15% to $ 29.75 billion. In the petrochemical industry for the first time since 1999, the decline in ethylene production stopped, the volume of which increased by more than 2% compared to 2002 - to 7.3 million tons, practically reaching the level of 2001. The decline in plastics production also stopped, synthetic fibers, dyes, rubber products.

Production of polyethylene only in the 4th quarter of 2003 increased by 4%. Release polypropylene and synthetic fibers has stabilized at the level of 2002, and there has been an upward trend.

This is mainly due to an increase in demand from the PRC and higher prices in the Asian market. Japan is gradually reducing import duties on petrochemical products, which leads to increased competition in the domestic market from foreign suppliers. In this regard, Japanese petrochemical companies have increased in 2002-2003.

Economy of Japan

investments in the modernization of enterprises in order to increase production efficiency and reduce costs.

The process of capital concentration continues in the industry. At the beginning of this decade, Idemitsu Petrochemical and Tokuyama set up a polypropylene company, Tokuyama Polipro, and Nippon Polichem and Nippon Poliolefines set up a joint venture to produce polyethylene. Mitsui Chemical and Sumitomo Chemical are planning a merger in 2004 that could create the largest chemical producer in the country.

Japanese chemical concerns continue to set up new firms in Asian countries, primarily in the PRC.

Companies such as Mitsubishi Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, Denky Kagaku Kogyo, Kao, Midory Kagaku, Nippon Chemical Industrial, Nissan Chemical Industrial, Toa Gosay and Toso play key roles in the development and manufacture of high-tech chemical products in Japan.

These companies plan in the near future to focus on the production of chemicals for the electronic information industry, biotechnology and chemical-pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on ensuring a high level of environmental friendliness of products.

In parallel, Japanese companies continue to strengthen their positions in the world market for traditional types of large-scale chemicals: polymers, surfactants and agrochemicals, primarily through the expansion of their production at foreign subsidiaries.

According to Japanese experts, the improvement of the national scientific, technical and production base in the main directions of the development of the chemical industry will provide conditions for further strengthening Japan's position in the world chemical products market until 2010. In accordance with the updated program for the development of high-tech industries adopted by the Japanese government in 2002 Until 2010, one of the key directions is the development of the practical application of biotechnology.

Companies specializing in this field carry out a massive promotion of products to the domestic and foreign markets. This is facilitated by factors such as the availability of the necessary technical equipment for R&D and support from government agencies, in particular, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. About 80% of all allocations for R&D in the field of biotechnology are provided by large food, wine, chemical and pharmaceutical companies (Adsinomoto, Mitsubishi Chemical Industries, etc.).

Close collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical to the development of biotechnology in Japan. A number of ministries are involved in the implementation of biotechnological projects along with large and medium-sized companies, and recently universities have made a great contribution to the latest biotechnology.

Fundamental research in the field of genetic engineering made it possible to create a powerful scientific foundation and give impetus to applied research.

The main application of modern biotechnology is found in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, which accounts for about 60% of sales of products obtained using genetic engineering methods. Asahi Chemical Industries is collaborating with the University of Tokyo and Dainippon Seyaku and Sumitomo Chemical Industries to research cancer drugs.

Sumitomo Seyaku has launched “Sumiferon” (a type of alpha interferon) that is recognized as the world's first drug for the treatment of kidney cancer. The company also suggested using it to treat hepatitis B6.

One of the most significant achievements of Sekysui Chemical Industries is the development of a method for diagnosing various types of cancer using monocellular antibodies. Sankyo, which along with Takeda is now a leader in blood cholesterol-lowering drugs, created Pravastatin, which has reached $ 100 billion in sales in Japan.

Private Japanese firms have stepped up multidimensional research in genetic engineering. Several firms, licensed by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and often in spite of consumer protests, conduct research into the cultivation of animals and plants with desired properties, as well as the development of food products using genetic engineering methods.

Research Institute "Plantech" is engaged in research in the cultivation of rice varieties resistant to various viruses. Mitsui Toatsu is working on a type of rice that even those allergic to it can eat. Kagome develops new creeping tomato varieties by crossing, adapted to specific climatic conditions and satisfying the needs of consumers.

The capacity of the Japanese market for plants obtained using genetic engineering methods in 2005 is estimated by experts at 600-700 billion yen.

Biotechnology at the present stage, the Japanese press notes, is one of the most attractive areas of complex science-intensive technology in terms of private capital investment. Japanese private firms, pushed by companies from newly industrialized countries into traditional basic industries, are looking for new areas of capital investment.

In the last 10-15 years, private firms operating in such industries as metallurgy, food, textile, chemical and pharmaceutical, have begun to actively engage in the field of biotechnology. Tokyo-based Kirin Biru, the country's leading food and beverage company for over a century, has an applied biology laboratory in Maebashi, where drug, enzyme and cell culture research is underway.

At its technical center in Yokohama, new equipment and production technologies are being developed. Keva Hakko Kogyo, a major producer of alcoholic beverages, amino acids, condiments, petrochemicals, has intensified biotechnology research in several areas, including cancer therapy using immunological methods.

Japan's largest textile company, Toray, has become a leading manufacturer of alpha interferons for cancer therapy. Nippon Kokan, one of the country's leading steel producers, has begun a research program in biotechnological methods for the production of amino acids. Nippon Electric is accelerating fundamental research into new types of products, including bioelectronic products.

The company has extensive connections with universities around the world, studies the functions of the human brain, as well as the processes of processing information from living cells. She is one of the most active participants in a number of fundamental research projects under the "Boundaries of Human Opportunity" program. (BICKI).

Japan is an archipelago country located in the center of the Asia-Pacific region, spread over the four large islands of Honshu, Hokaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. In addition to them, the territory of the state also includes about 4 thousand small islands, which stretch for three and a half thousand kilometers from the north-east to the south-west. The shores form bays and a large number of bays. All the seas and oceans that wash the archipelago play a huge role for Japan, as they are the main sources of its resources.

Population

In terms of population, the Land of the Rising Sun is in the top ten of the world. The Japanese have the highest life expectancy in the world (76 years for men and 82 for women).

The national composition is characterized by relative homogeneity. The Japanese form nearly ninety-nine percent of the country's total population. Among the other peoples living in Japan, there are a lot of Koreans, as well as Chinese. The overwhelming majority are Shinto or Buddhist. The most densely populated are the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Almost eighty percent of Japanese people live in large cities, eleven of which are cities with a population of one million.

Industry of Japan

(At the assembly line, robots have practically replaced humans)

Japanese industry is almost entirely dependent on imported resources. Recently, the country has been forced to reduce the growth of energy-intensive and metal-intensive production, which depends on imported raw materials, focusing on the science-intensive industry. Nevertheless, in Japan, both ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, automobile and shipbuilding, construction industry, energy, chemical and petrochemical, food and pulp and paper industries are well developed.

And, of course, Japan is one of the few countries where people are trying to replace people with industrial robots on conveyor assembly almost everywhere.

(Industrial plant in Japan)

The largest metallurgical centers, almost entirely working on imported raw materials, are factories located in Osaka, Tokyo and Fujiyama. The scale of primary smelting of non-ferrous metals in Japan is gradually decreasing, but most of the factories located in the largest industrial centers are still functioning today.

Light and food industries are of great importance. The power industry mainly uses imported raw materials. The predominant components in the Japanese resource base are oil and natural gas, while the share of coal is decreasing, the role of hydro and nuclear energy is growing. In the field of energy, sixty percent of its capacity comes from thermal power plants, and twenty-eight percent comes from nuclear energy. Hydroelectric power plants are located in cascade on mountain rivers.

(Robots are assembling at the car factory)

Mechanical engineering is well developed in Japan. The leading subindustries are electrical engineering and electronics, the radio industry is very well developed, and transport engineering is growing rapidly. The country is the leader in the volume of construction of tankers and bulk carriers. The main shipyards are located in ports - Yokohama, Nagasaki, Kobe. Japan is also a stable leader in the field of automotive construction. Thirteen million vehicles leave the conveyors of Japanese factories annually.

(Tokyo city is partially powered by solar panels)

In recent years, the country has begun to actively implement the so-called "Solar Light" program, which consists in the development of unconventional energy sources. Japan also ranks first among economically developed countries in terms of the share of spending on the development of science and biotechnology.

Agriculture of Japan

(Unusual drawings in rice fields in Japan)

Agriculture provides approximately two percent of the country's gross national product and remains one of the most important branches of its economy. Six and a half percent of the population works in this area. Most of Japanese agricultural production is concentrated in food products. Japan is seventy percent self-sufficient for its own food needs. Thirteen percent of the territory is allocated for agriculture. The leading role belongs to plant growing, in particular the cultivation of rice and vegetable crops, horticulture is widespread. Livestock farming is also developing at an intensive pace. So, in Japan, cattle, poultry are bred, pig breeding is developed.

(Fishing boat at the port of the Sea of \u200b\u200bJapan)

An exceptionally good location determines the abundance of fish and seafood dishes in the diet of every Japanese. Fishing is carried out in almost all areas of the World Ocean. Japan has an extensive fishing fleet of more than four hundred thousand vessels. In addition, the country owns over three thousand fishing ports.