Japan’s economic miracle, achieved through an export-oriented strategy, was initially regarded as an anomaly. It was finally accepted as a new model of economic growth when the Four Dragons (or Gang of Four)—Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore also achieved their own economic miracles. Indeed, this strategy was considered by many as a necessary recipe for rapid economic development. This chapter focuses on Southeast Asian countries (including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines) that have sought to emulate the example set by the original Asian Tigers with respect to economic development achieved through an export-propelled strategy. After discussing the initial dissent on export promotion, the chapter explores Southeast Asia’s derivative importance in the context of geopolitics and Japan’s role in the development of Southeast Asia.