The country’s economic growth is heavily supported by its manufacturing strengths, again leading in the manufacture of automobiles, machine tools, optical and precision equipment, machinery and chemicals.
With a well-educated domestic work force, Japan is one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Its services sector, including financial services plays an increasingly prominent role in the economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the world’s foremost centres of finance.
The country’s major export destinations are China (19.5%), USA (19%) and South Korea (7.1%).