Economic history of Japan looks at how the economy of Japan has changed over time. In the past, Japan was mostly an agricultural society. This means that most people made their living by growing and selling crops like rice, wheat, and tea. But over time, the country began to industrialize. This means that factories and technology were used to make products like cars, electronics, and clothing. In the 1950s and 60s, Japan's economy really started to take off. The government invested in areas like education and infrastructure, which helped the economy grow. In the late 20th century, Japan was one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Today, Japan is still a very wealthy country, and its economy is still growing. Its most important industries are automobiles, electronics, and finance.