Japan and China are both important countries in the East Asia region, and globally. They are closely connected, not only by their geographical proximity, but also by shared historical and cultural ties. Although Japan and China are both highly developed and successful nations, in fact there are some ways that Japan outperforms China. We recently looked at how China is better than Japan, now let’s explore the other side and discuss how Japan is better than China…
1. Japan Is A Democracy, China Is Not
A first way that Japan is better than China is because it is a democracy.
Japan has been a democracy since the 1940s. The country holds regular free and fair elections and Japanese people are able to have a say in how they are governed. There are multiple political parties, with different ideological stand-points, in Japan, and the country has a robust ongoing debate about government policies. Politicians in Japan are accountable to the people, and generally act in their interests.
China is not a democracy. It has been a totalitarian communist state since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. There are no open and free elections in China and Chinese people cannot change their government.
There are many reasons why democracy is a better political system. Not only does it ensure accountability by pollical elites, it also prevents repressive governments from forming. The simple fact that Japan is a democracy and China is not is one reason why Japan is better.
2. Japan Has Much Better Human Rights Than China
A second way that Japan is better than China is because human rights are much better protected.
China has one of the worst human rights records in the world. People in China do not enjoy freedom of speech, assembly, association or of the press. In China the state often uses violence in order to retain control. The use of torture is common, as well as arbitrary detention and capital punishment. Chinese people cannot openly protest their government without the risk of serious oppression.
Japan is an open and liberal society. Human rights are protected in Japan and Japanese people enjoy many freedoms. Fair trials and the rule of law are ingrained in Japan and human rights abuses, such as torture, police brutality or the widespread use of capital punishment, do not occur.
In Japan, the state is not repressive and Japanese people have their human rights respected. This is a major reason why Japan is better than China.
3. China Is More Aggressive Internationally
A third way that Japan is better than China is that it is less aggressive internationally.
In recent years, China has become more assertive on the world stage. The country is expanding militarily in the South China Sea – a disputed area. The country also broke key parts of its treaty with the UK over how Hong Kong should be governed. China uses its economic might to involve itself in many poorer countries, including through loans and infrastructure projects, especially in Africa and South Asia. Many countries in these regions have become heavily indebted to China.
Japan is much less assertive than China in international affairs. Although the country does have a recent history of invading and conquering its neighbours – especially during World War Two, since 1945 the country has not longer been using it’s economic or military strength to dominate the region. Japan is an engaged and cooperative member of the international community.
China’s perceived aggression, and assertiveness, has made the country many enemies. Japan is generally seen as a less aggressive country, and for many this is a reason why it is better than China.
4. Japan Is Richer Than China
Another way that Japan could be better than China is because it is richer.
Japan is one of the richest countries in the world. With a per capita income of 44,570 USD, the average Japanese person is wealthy by global standards. Japan’s wealth means that its people are not only able to ensure their basic needs are met – such as housing, food, healthcare, and education, but most people also have money left to spend on things they enjoy. Poverty is low in Japan, with around 16% people classed as living in destitution.
China has had incredible success at lifting huge parts of its population out of poverty in recent decades. However, it is still a poorer country compared to Japan, and this one reason why Japan is better. China’s per capita income is 19,160 USD – much lower than Japan’s. Around a quarter of Chinse people are also still live in poverty.
Japan has been a prosperous country for many decades. It has also managed to ensure its wealth is shared more evenly across its population. China is still becoming rich, but for now Japan is a wealthier country. Many see this as one reason why Japan is better than China.
5. Japan Is Less Unequal Than China
One reason why Japan could be better than China is because it is a less unequal country.
As we’ve said, China has made impressive strides in reducing poverty across the nation. Alongside this, as China saw rapid economic growth, many Chinese became incredibly wealthy. However, China is still a highly unequal nation – not only between rich and poor people, but also between rural and urban areas, and different regions of the country.
Japan is much more equal as a society than China, and this is one reason why it is better. There is less poverty in Japan, and although there are definitely wealthy people, the gap between rich and poor in Japan is less than in China.
The fact that Japan has been able to become prosperous, whilst reducing rates of inequality, is highly impressive. So far, China has mostly failed to achieve this. It is one reason why Japan may be better than China.
6. Japan Has A More Inclusive Economy Than China
A final way that Japan may be better than China is because it has a more inclusive economy.
As we’ve said, China struggles with inequality. Although the country has achieved a general level of prosperity, millions have been unable to join the country’ economic rise. China has, in many ways, failed to create an inclusive economy where barriers to entry are limited and anyone with the right business mind can attract investment, build an enterprise and become wealthy. Economic success in China is still held by only certain groups within society.
Japan has done better than China in creating an inclusive economy. The country is more of a meritocracy and economic prosperity can generally be achieved by anyone who works hard and has the right ideas. Economic tools, just as investments, loans and education are more accessible.
One reason for Japan’s continued prosperity is its inclusive economic model. China has, so far, struggled to achieve this, and for many it would be one way that Japan is better than China.