Final answer:
Since the 1980s, foreign countries, especially the United States, have indeed criticized Japan for its restrictive trade policies. The U.S. response included pressuring Japan to limit auto exports and trying to restrict imports of foreign steel and semiconductors to tackle trade imbalances caused by Japan's trade practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that since the 1980's, some foreign countries have criticized Japan because of its restrictive trade policies is true. During the 1980s, Japan experienced significant economic growth, largely due to their dominant auto and technology exports. This led to a substantial trade deficit in the United States, prompting U.S. politicians to respond to public concerns about fair trade. For instance, in 1981, President Reagan convinced Japan to limit the number of cars it exported to the United States in an effort to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Additionally, the U.S. sought to restrict the import of foreign steel and semiconductors. These actions were a direct response to the perceived unfair trade practices and Japan's restrictive policies which were seen as exploiting the openness of global trade for their benefit.
It's evident that low- and middle-income countries often found global trade threatening when their high-income partners appeared to be exploiting their economies, leading to a loss of domestic political control to powerful business interests and multinational corporations, which further influenced the critical view on Japan's trade policies. However, the narrative has evolved, and many countries have realized the economic benefits of reducing barriers to trade, as seen in agreements like NAFTA.