Japan returns to self-rule. 1960 Japan and the U.S. sign Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The Prime Minister is nominated by Cabinet members and is designated by the Emperor, the symbolic head of the nation. The resulting coalition government represented the beginning of a new era, with political redistricting and other reforms. Whatever combination of parties emerges after the current period of instability, the leadership will comprise younger men and women, less focused on relations with the U.S., seeking to define a larger role for Japan in international affairs.
Japan is divided into forty-seven prefectures, which are similar to Canada's provinces.
Japan is one of the world's leading industrial powers and is remarkable for its economic growth since World War II, considering it has few natural resources. Japan is known for its people's strong work ethic and the high level of cooperation between industry and government. Imports include fuels, minerals and other crude materials, manufactured goods, food and machinery. Exports range from machinery, motor vehicles and other transportation equipment to manufactured goods and electronic equipment. Recently, international pressures have led to significant changes in Japan's position as an international superpower with increasing pressure to coordinate its economic policies with those of its trade partners.