Harmonizing National with International Standards in Japan

Abstract

This paper presents a Japanese engineer`s view on harmonization of global standards as the key factor in maintaining and promoting free trade. Japan is endowed with almost no natural resources, and, for this reason, Japan must rely on international trade to sustain its standard of living. Japan fully recognizes that the maintenance and promotion of mutually beneficial free trade is indispensable for cooperation in an international society, and is essential for Japan`s survival. It is very clear that the promotion of the international harmonization of standards is the key factor in the maintenance and promotion of free trade. And Japan is one of the countries most eagerly hoping for its realization. The authors focus on three issues concerning the international harmonization of Japanese standards: (1) Efforts Japan has made for the harmonization of Japanese standards with international ones; (2) natural or tectonic circumstances unique to Japanese standards; and (3) relationship between standard harmonization and international trade.