Was the first highly developed country in East Asia?

The first highly developed country in East Asia was Japan. Japan embarked on a program of rapid industrialization and modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known as the Meiji Restoration, which transformed it into a powerful and industrialized nation. Japan's rise to prominence was fueled by factors such as political reforms, investments in education, adoption of Western technologies and infrastructure, and military expansion. Additionally, Japan's unique culture and strong national identity played a role in its rapid development and modernization, making it the first highly developed country in East Asia.