Where Has The Japanese Core Of “Monodzukuri” Come From, And Where Is It Going?

"Monodzukuri" is a buzzword in Japan. It is believed that this "Monodzukuri" could hold the key to relieve the Japanese economy from the current stagnation. The aim of this paper lies in examining this problem. This paper is based on the theoretical framework of evolutionary economics. The paper, first, explains the basic concepts and concerns the analytical perspective and technical terms applied in this study. Second, the historical birth of the Spirit of “Monodzukuri” is analyzed from the viewpoint of effects by the innovation of Japanese new Buddhism. Next it clarifies what kind of social technologies are appropriate for the Spirit of “Monodzukuri”, explaining the prototype of integral architecture type of production/product, giving a clear picture that the industrialization after the Meiji Restoration was based on the integral architecture type of production. And finally it identifies that the modern integral architecture type of production emerged and crystallized due to various constraints that the corporate management faced during the postwar economic growth period. The conclusion considers whether “Monodzukuri” in Japan can maintain its competitiveness further in the global market in the future.