For the business and government relationship in Japan, the pre-war period was an era of considerable change. Framed by Japan’s nation-building efforts, the relationship adapted and evolved with the often fluid economic and political circumstances. As both business and government had vested interests in the direction and success of Japan’s industrialization process, on one level they became partners. At the same time, though, they were both stakeholders in the fiercely competitive iron and steel industry. This book explores how that partner-competitor relationship worked during the amalgamation of this strategic industry from 1916 to 1934, demonstrating how both parties engaged in meaningful negotiation through the open forum of the Shingikai - or Councils of Deliberation - throughout the pre-war period. Drawing upon the original minutes of the debates, it shows the ways in which the participants defended their vested interests and sought to forge agreement, taking the forum seriously as a means of influencing outcomes, and not simply as a mere exercise of artifice deployed to shroud the real locus of decision-making. Business-Government Relations in Prewar Japan is an important contribution to the literature on the relationship between government and business in pre-war Japan.

This book takes a clear look at the course of the economic and political developments in Japan since the Second World War and in particular trends in government and politics since the peace treaty of 1952. It examines the disagreements within the country over re-armament and security; over neutralism versus commitment in the Cold War; over conflicting loyalties to an Asian or a European way of life; and over meeting the rising economic and social expectations of the new middle class.

Despite the economic and political importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship and the extensive attention paid to automotive trade, few American scholars or policy makers are familiar with the history of Japanese government-business relations, either generally or for specific industries such as passenger cars. This book hopefully helps in a small way to fill that gap in our knowledge and, thus, to help strengthen the foundation from which we make public policy decisions about bilateral trade. [ix]

This book examines several major reforms in Japan - in the postal business, transportation, telecommunications and technology - and evaluates the impact of these changes since the early 1980s. Conceptually, the book presents the dual state as being a fundamental feature of the Japanese political economy that determines government reform dynamics.

On November 17,1964, a new and rather unique political organization was inaugurated in Japan. This organization was called Komeito or the Clean Government Party. ! The mother organization was the lay Buddhist group, Soka Gakkai 2 or Value Creation Society. It had previously been engaged in some political activities, but the establish ment of the party was an indication of serious intent to become even more involved in Japanese political affairs. The rather militant posture of Soka Gakkai and its phenomenal success in converting literally millions of Japanese to the Nichiren Buddhist religion was somewhat disconcerting for observers, both Japanese and foreign. Because of its political activism, many persons viewed the organization as similar to the pre-World War II ultra-nationalist movement, while others ap plauded Soka Gakkai for giving new life and hope to a large segment of Japanese society that was only receiving a marginal share of Japan's increasing prosperity. Any mass movement may appear rather ominous to some people and a rapidly expanding and aggressive movement is bound to be perceived as a threat to society. Soka Gakkai is no exception, and therefore has been the subject of much debate and controversy in both Japan and abroad. As is often the case with controversial matters, a new perspective will help to clarify some of the more contentious issues of this movement.

A valuable addition to ABC-CLIO's Global Studies series, this resource covers Japan in two main sections—a narrative history and an extensive general reference section. Japan: A Global Studies Handbook offers a friendly introduction to this vital, ancient country. In a series of practical, readable essays, this title explores Japan's island geography and its influence on the nation's history. Japan traces the "economic miracle" that was born in the ashes of World War II and grew into an economy seven times the size of China's—but at considerable social cost. It examines Japan's vibrant cultural traditions—from the 11th century's The Tale of Genji to karaoke, sushi, and the "salary man." Japan entices readers to continue their exploration by offering an inviting collection of jumping-off points: a timeline of Japanese history; a mini-encyclopedia of significant people, places, and events; and an annotated bibliography covering all aspects of Japanese society.

Includes articles on international business opportunities.