Introduction. The modern scientific galaxy of Japanese economists maintained the continuity of theoretical views and predetermined the vector of “Westernization” in the evolution of the “Flying Wild Geese” conceptual paradigm. Scientific review. Since the 1960s, Japan has established itself as an industrially developed trading power. In the 1980s, the “Flying Wild Geese” paradigm became a model for East Asia. Japan managed regional economic relations, implemented a cooperation program, being the world’s largest distributor of aid, and reserved funds for neighboring countries. In the role of the “leading goose” of East Asia, Japanese economy introduced new products and technologies, expanded the area of regional division of labor, and increased imports and exports. The scientific work of K. Kojima affected the understanding of changes in the Japanese, East Asian and world economies of the last third of the XX century. The scientist’s conceptual schemes explained the relationship between the increase in foreign direct investment by Japanese corporations, the development of international labor division, trade and integration, and the economic growth of Asian countries in chronological and hierarchical order. S. Okita made a major contribution to promoting the “Flying Wild Geese” model in the global political and economic discourse. T. Ozawa proved that Japan had achieved success by relying on the use of its traditional moral and social values in state economic policy and the organization of entrepreneurial activity. S. Kasahara studied the problems of international policy of economic development and trade, the role of the state in industrialization, integration, and development of East Asian countries within the framework of the “Flying Wild Geese” paradigm. Conclusion. The conducted research showed the historical and economic conditionality of the “Flying Wild Geese” paradigm evolution in the modern political economy of Japan.