The self-imposed isolation policy of Japan made it difficult for the other countries to trade with Japanese. Japan;'s trade policy was good for them as they were able to export goods and make money out of it, for importing the things which they require. They import coal and raw materials from Australia, but could not pay back Australia, with its technologies, which made the trade deficit, for Australia. But for, Japan, they gained the resources to work in their own countries, run industries, and services. Similarly, is the Case with the United States, where Japan is using the trade surpluses from the US to pay back the money to Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. So, for Japan, its good, but for other partner nations, it's a deficit and that is why they complain.
