But how do you know they are doing well because of it or despite it? They're also in terms of a country more likely to live around cities, and much more densel

But how do you know they are doing well because of it or despite it? They're also in terms of a country more likely to live around cities, and much more densely since Tokyo is one of the, if not most, densely populated megacities. I would say any economic power they do have is because of the density and progressiveness of their cities.