What were The zaibatsu .?

Zaibatsu were large conglomerate corporations in Japan that emerged during the late 19th century and dominated the economy until the end of World War II. Typically family-owned, these powerful business entities controlled various industries, including banking, manufacturing, and shipping. The most notable zaibatsu included Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda. Following the war, the Allied occupation dismantled many zaibatsu to promote economic decentralization and prevent monopolistic practices.