Final answer:
Post-WWII Japan transitioned from coal and traditional industries to a focus on manufacturing and high technology, aided by U.S. support. The country also diversified its energy sources, notably increasing nuclear energy usage, following the oil shocks of the 1970s.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the post-WWII era, Japan transitioned from relying on coal and traditional industries to focusing on manufacturing and high technology industries. This shift was supported by significant U.S. aid, including financial investment and preferential access to U.S. markets, allowing Japan to rebuild its war-torn economy. A key part of Japan's economic growth was its move towards industries such as automobile production, with companies like Toyota and Honda becoming global standards. Following the oil shocks of the 1970s, Japan, which had a heavy dependence on imported oil, also started investing in nuclear energy and other renewable energy sources to diversify its energy supply and ensure energy security.