Under the background of constructing innovative country of China, it’s urgent to enhance the theoretical analysis and referenced study about the typical innovative countries and their innovation systems. This paper focus on the evolution and performance evaluation of Japan’s constructing innovative country. First, we identified the definition of innovative country. Second, we outlined the evolution process of Japan’s national innovation system. On the basis of comparative analysis the authors revealed the Japanese innovation system’s essential characteristics and shortcomings. The performance of Japan’s innovation system was evaluated. Finally, we bring forward some suggestions to the construction of innovative country of China.