Zaibatsu meaning

Zaibatsu refers to a powerful conglomerate of companies in pre-WWII Japan.


Zaibatsu definitions

Word backwards ustabiaz
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division zai-bat-su
Plural The plural form of the word "zaibatsu" is zaibatsu, as it is a Japanese word that does not change in its plural form. The singular and plural form remain the same.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,i,u
Consonants (4) z,b,t,s

Zaibatsu: Understanding the Japanese Business Conglomerates

Zaibatsu is a term used to describe large family-controlled business conglomerates in Japan. These conglomerates dominated the Japanese economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a significant role in the country's industrialization and economic growth.

Historical Origins: The term zaibatsu originated from the World War II era, and these conglomerates were often compared to Western trusts and cartels. The most prominent zaibatsu included Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda, among others.

Structure and Influence:

At their peak, zaibatsu controlled vast amounts of wealth and resources across various industries, including banking, trading, and manufacturing. The conglomerates were structured around a central holding company, which oversaw the operations of numerous subsidiaries.

Interconnected Relationships: One of the key features of zaibatsu was their interconnected relationships with each other and the Japanese government. These conglomerates had close ties to political figures and often influenced government policies to serve their interests.

Post-War Dissolution:

After World War II, the Allied Powers broke up the zaibatsu conglomerates as part of the efforts to democratize and decentralize Japan's economy. This led to the dissolution of the central holding companies and the restructuring of the former subsidiaries into separate independent companies.

Legacy and Influence: Despite their dissolution, the legacy of zaibatsu continues to influence Japan's business landscape to this day. Some of the former subsidiaries have grown into large corporations, maintaining their presence and influence in the global economy.


Zaibatsu Examples

  1. The zaibatsu dominated the Japanese economy before World War II.
  2. The zaibatsu family controlled the majority of industries in the region.
  3. Many modern corporations have their roots in the zaibatsu system.
  4. The zaibatsu conglomerate expanded its influence through strategic acquisitions.
  5. Some argue that the zaibatsu model promotes monopolistic practices.
  6. The zaibatsu corporation diversified its portfolio to reduce risks.
  7. The zaibatsu group faced backlash from smaller businesses for its dominance in the market.
  8. After the war, the zaibatsu structure was dismantled to promote fair competition.
  9. The zaibatsu organization was known for its close ties to the government.
  10. The zaibatsu dynasty maintained a tight grip on various sectors of the economy.


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  • Updated 26/03/2024 - 04:50:45