Final answer:
Japan was the first Asian country to move from a developing to a newly industrialized country status. Although South Korea and other East Asian Tigers also achieved rapid industrialization later on, Japan's post-war development served as a precursor and a model for their growth. Option 1 is the final answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from a developing country to a newly industrialized country was first achieved by Japan among the listed Asian nations. Japan's rapid post-war industrialization set a high bar for economic development and nation-building in the 20th century. Utilizing its skilled workforce and developing technologies, Japan's economic miracle began in the 1950s and continued into the 1970s and beyond, laying the groundwork for other nations to follow.
South Korea, along with other East Asian Tigers like Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, began their remarkable transformation a bit later. These countries embarked on a path of export-led industrialization in the early 1960s and maintained high growth rates through the 1990s. By focusing on the production of goods such as computers, automobiles, and chemicals for the global market, they have effectively elevated their economic status. South Korea, in particular, displayed phenomenal growth rates and industrial advancements that have allowed it to join the ranks of developed nations.
Consequently, amongst your options, the correct answer to which Asian country first moved from a developing to a newly industrialized status is Japan, which is not listed among the 'Four Asian Tigers' but served as a model for their subsequent and rapid industrialization processes.