Zaibatsu

Zaibatsu were powerful business conglomerates in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a crucial role in Japan's rapid industrialization and modernization. They helped Japan compete globally by integrating industries from raw materials to finished products, responding to the country's need for economic growth and self-sufficiency. This structure allowed Japan to maximize efficiency and economic power, similar to how large corporations operate today. In today's world, companies like Samsung or General Electric resemble zaibatsu, as they control diverse industries and influence global markets. This affects everyday life as these companies produce many of the electronics, appliances, and services people use daily, showing the lasting impact of the zaibatsu model on modern economies.