The article presents the author’s classification of the “catching-up modernization” models typical for Russia and Japan at the initial stage of acceleration of industrial development. The common features of the “state-national” model (Japan) and the “least resistance” model (Russia) are identified and characterized, and their comparative analysis is carried out. Particular attention is paid to the country features that have had a huge impact on the formation of national types of “catch-up modernization” model and their practical implementation. The role of the state, traditionally strong in Russia and Japan, is noted, and its change in the process of “catching up modernization” is traced. The degree of influence of endogenous and exogenous factors on the implementation of large-scale transformation of Russian and Japanese economic systems is analyzed. It is concluded that the development of national economies of the countries under consideration was a natural result and reflection of their types of the model of “catching-up modernization”.