Final answer:
The statement that Japanese ideology emphasizes individualism is false. Japanese values focus on harmony and societal cohesion rather than individual competition, which played a role in their economic success after World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is whether a fundamental premise of Japanese ideology reflects the importance of individualism and competitive spirit for economic progress. This statement is false. Traditional Japanese ideology places a significant emphasis on group harmony, societal cohesion, and collective well-being as opposed to Western-style individualism. Japan's economic development was supported by strong state-centric models, cooperation between government and industries, and societal values that emphasized group interests over personal ambitions. Economic growth in Japan has been more about concerted efforts and less about competitive individualism. Additionally, the Japanese concept of 'wa,' meaning harmony, is deeply rooted in society, advocating for consensus and social order. Japan did indeed use internal organization and strong centripetal dynamics to create a cohesive society that prioritized the collective over the individual, contributing to its post-war economic miracle.