Il ruolo degli IDE giapponesi nell'economia globale. Sviluppo geografico regionale dalla Restaurazione Meiji all'inizio del Nuovo Millennio

The monograph “The Role of Japanese FDI in the Global Economy” examines, from a historical and comparative perspective, the contribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the development and transformation of Japan’s economic system. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines economic geography, institutional analysis, and historical interpretation, aiming to understand the evolution of Japanese capitalism and the dynamics of its international projection. Methodologically, the study relies on two main pillars: the direct analysis of official data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) — examined in the original Japanese language — and a critical review of both national and international literature on FDI, keiretsu, zaibatsu, and sōgō shōsha. This dual framework allows for an integration of quantitative data analysis on investment flows with a qualitative assessment of organizational models and corporate strategies of expansion. The results highlight the distinctive nature of Japan’s corporate structure and the central role of FDI as a vehicle for economic growth, innovation, and the consolidation of Japan’s position within the global economy. Ultimately, the work reflects on the relationship between national economic identity and the ongoing processes of globalization and internationalization, offering a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s global economic role.