Japan in the 21st Century

Japan in the 21st Century

Author: Pradyumna Karan

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky

Published: 2010-09-12

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13: 0813127637

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The ancient civilization of Japan, with its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, is also closely associated with all that is new and modern. Looking outward, Japan sees what it has become since Hiroshima: the world’s second-largest economy, a source of fury and wonder, a power without arms. Looking inward, Japan sees old ways shaken and new ones developing at a hectic pace. Japan in the Twenty-first Century offers compelling insights into the current realities of the country and investigates the crucial political, economic, demographic, and environmental challenges that face the nation. A combination of text, maps, and photographs provides an essential understanding of Japan’s geography, cultural heritage, demography, economic and political development, and of many other important issues. Pradyumna P. Karan explores the obstacles and opportunities that will shape Japan and affect the world community in the coming years. He highlights strategies and policies that will facilitate economic and political change and stimulate the development of effective institutions for long-term, sustainable prosperity and economic vitality. Unique field reports drawn from direct observations of events and places in Japan illuminate Japanese traditions and sensibilities. The first full-length English-language textbook on Japan’s geography, culture, politics, and economy to appear in nearly four decades, Japan in the Twenty-first Century will be a vital resource for researchers, academics, general readers, and students of Japan. Pradyumna P. Karan, professor of geography and Japan studies at the University of Kentucky, is the author or editor of numerous books on Asian geography and culture, including The Japanese City and Japan in the Bluegrass.


Book Synopsis Japan in the 21st Century by : Pradyumna Karan

Download or read book Japan in the 21st Century written by Pradyumna Karan and published by University Press of Kentucky. This book was released on 2010-09-12 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The ancient civilization of Japan, with its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, is also closely associated with all that is new and modern. Looking outward, Japan sees what it has become since Hiroshima: the world’s second-largest economy, a source of fury and wonder, a power without arms. Looking inward, Japan sees old ways shaken and new ones developing at a hectic pace. Japan in the Twenty-first Century offers compelling insights into the current realities of the country and investigates the crucial political, economic, demographic, and environmental challenges that face the nation. A combination of text, maps, and photographs provides an essential understanding of Japan’s geography, cultural heritage, demography, economic and political development, and of many other important issues. Pradyumna P. Karan explores the obstacles and opportunities that will shape Japan and affect the world community in the coming years. He highlights strategies and policies that will facilitate economic and political change and stimulate the development of effective institutions for long-term, sustainable prosperity and economic vitality. Unique field reports drawn from direct observations of events and places in Japan illuminate Japanese traditions and sensibilities. The first full-length English-language textbook on Japan’s geography, culture, politics, and economy to appear in nearly four decades, Japan in the Twenty-first Century will be a vital resource for researchers, academics, general readers, and students of Japan. Pradyumna P. Karan, professor of geography and Japan studies at the University of Kentucky, is the author or editor of numerous books on Asian geography and culture, including The Japanese City and Japan in the Bluegrass.


Japan--a State Strategy for the Twenty-first Century

Japan--a State Strategy for the Twenty-first Century

Author: Yasuhiro Nakasone

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9780700716333

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Yasuhiro Nakasone, one of the most highly regarded former prime ministers of Japan, considers what should be Japan's strategic direction in the 21st century, and argues for amendments to the constitution.


Book Synopsis Japan--a State Strategy for the Twenty-first Century by : Yasuhiro Nakasone

Download or read book Japan--a State Strategy for the Twenty-first Century written by Yasuhiro Nakasone and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 2002 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Yasuhiro Nakasone, one of the most highly regarded former prime ministers of Japan, considers what should be Japan's strategic direction in the 21st century, and argues for amendments to the constitution.


21st-Century Japanese Management

21st-Century Japanese Management

Author: J. Abegglen

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2006-03-13

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 0230500854

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Japan's economy and businesses are entering this century with new management systems but their values unchanged. Drawing on the author's analysis of the 1950s, financial systems, personnel management methods, role of the corporation and R&D capabilities are re-assessed to provide a comprehensive analysis of Japan's financial and industrial changes.


Book Synopsis 21st-Century Japanese Management by : J. Abegglen

Download or read book 21st-Century Japanese Management written by J. Abegglen and published by Springer. This book was released on 2006-03-13 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Japan's economy and businesses are entering this century with new management systems but their values unchanged. Drawing on the author's analysis of the 1950s, financial systems, personnel management methods, role of the corporation and R&D capabilities are re-assessed to provide a comprehensive analysis of Japan's financial and industrial changes.


Japan Houses

Japan Houses

Author: Marcia Iwatate

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-05-01

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 1462905943

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This Japanese architecture and design book is a wonderful source of new styles and ideas for those looking to add a distinctively Zen flair to their home. Limited spaces, unlimited technology, a tradition of innovation, and sheer Japanese panache have combined to inspire the 26 stunning homes featured in Japan Houses. Conceived by 24 of Japan's leading architects and designers, each of the houses forecasts and defines a new trend in residential architecture, reinventing the meaning and use of space, material, and function. Traditional lifestyles are challenged, domestic functions such as cooking and entertaining are moved out of the house into the public domain, while laptops bring work back in. Zen minimalist is juxtaposed with comfortable opulence, time-honored workmanship is coupled with exciting new materials, resulting in a recognizable style that belongs to Japan, reflecting its culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time being avant-garde and international. The spirit of each of these astonishing houses is captured in beautiful photographs, plans and commentary.


Book Synopsis Japan Houses by : Marcia Iwatate

Download or read book Japan Houses written by Marcia Iwatate and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2012-05-01 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Japanese architecture and design book is a wonderful source of new styles and ideas for those looking to add a distinctively Zen flair to their home. Limited spaces, unlimited technology, a tradition of innovation, and sheer Japanese panache have combined to inspire the 26 stunning homes featured in Japan Houses. Conceived by 24 of Japan's leading architects and designers, each of the houses forecasts and defines a new trend in residential architecture, reinventing the meaning and use of space, material, and function. Traditional lifestyles are challenged, domestic functions such as cooking and entertaining are moved out of the house into the public domain, while laptops bring work back in. Zen minimalist is juxtaposed with comfortable opulence, time-honored workmanship is coupled with exciting new materials, resulting in a recognizable style that belongs to Japan, reflecting its culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time being avant-garde and international. The spirit of each of these astonishing houses is captured in beautiful photographs, plans and commentary.


Choose and Focus

Choose and Focus

Author: Ulrike Schaede

Publisher: Cornell University Press

Published: 2011-01-15

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0801460557

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Between 2002 and 2008, Japan's economy saw constant expansion, a record among the world's advanced economies and Japan's longest period of economic growth since World War II. This remarkable achievement came about because of a transformation of Japanese business practices. This transformation was guided by strategies that enabled Japan's leading corporations, previously diversified to an exceptionally high degree, to become leaner, more nimble, and more competitive at home and in the global economy. In Choose and Focus, the first in-depth account of this strategic inflection point in Japanese business, Ulrike Schaede argues that the emerging practices and attitudes have created a New Japan. Drawing on profiles of several corporations, including Panasonic, Takeda and Astellas, Softbank, kakaku.com, and SBI E*Trade, Schaede explains how the fundamental principles of Japan's economy have been overturned. "Choose and focus" strategies, whereby corporations concentrate on core areas and spin off unrelated businesses, have completely altered the strategic logic of Japan's previous industrial architecture. These surprisingly aggressive moves, Schaede finds, have created new market opportunities for start-up enterprises and foreign investors, as well as a wave of mergers, acquisitions, and hostile takeovers that have shaken Japanese companies out of complacency. Unlike the advances made by Japanese firms in the 1970s and 1980s, the current transformation is taking root in component and materials industries rather than in consumer products. Because of the relative obscurity of the changes and the overshadowing story of China's ascent, the Japanese corporate revolution has gone largely unnoticed among Western observers. Choose and Focus is required reading for anyone doing business in Japan or trying to understand how contemporary Japanese business works and how Japanese corporations have reinvented themselves to face the challenges—and realize the opportunities—of the 21st century.


Book Synopsis Choose and Focus by : Ulrike Schaede

Download or read book Choose and Focus written by Ulrike Schaede and published by Cornell University Press. This book was released on 2011-01-15 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Between 2002 and 2008, Japan's economy saw constant expansion, a record among the world's advanced economies and Japan's longest period of economic growth since World War II. This remarkable achievement came about because of a transformation of Japanese business practices. This transformation was guided by strategies that enabled Japan's leading corporations, previously diversified to an exceptionally high degree, to become leaner, more nimble, and more competitive at home and in the global economy. In Choose and Focus, the first in-depth account of this strategic inflection point in Japanese business, Ulrike Schaede argues that the emerging practices and attitudes have created a New Japan. Drawing on profiles of several corporations, including Panasonic, Takeda and Astellas, Softbank, kakaku.com, and SBI E*Trade, Schaede explains how the fundamental principles of Japan's economy have been overturned. "Choose and focus" strategies, whereby corporations concentrate on core areas and spin off unrelated businesses, have completely altered the strategic logic of Japan's previous industrial architecture. These surprisingly aggressive moves, Schaede finds, have created new market opportunities for start-up enterprises and foreign investors, as well as a wave of mergers, acquisitions, and hostile takeovers that have shaken Japanese companies out of complacency. Unlike the advances made by Japanese firms in the 1970s and 1980s, the current transformation is taking root in component and materials industries rather than in consumer products. Because of the relative obscurity of the changes and the overshadowing story of China's ascent, the Japanese corporate revolution has gone largely unnoticed among Western observers. Choose and Focus is required reading for anyone doing business in Japan or trying to understand how contemporary Japanese business works and how Japanese corporations have reinvented themselves to face the challenges—and realize the opportunities—of the 21st century.


21st Century Tokyo

21st Century Tokyo

Author: Julian Worrall

Publisher: National Geographic Books

Published: 2010-05-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 4770030541

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Tokyo has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cities in the world, and nowhere is this more evident than in its modern architecture. Authors and architects Julian Worrall and Erez Golani Solomon, longtime residents of the city, have selected 83 outstanding examples of contemporary architecture, and introduce them, not just from an architectural perspective, but as part of the social, cultural, and political tapestry of the city. In addition to the monumental masterpieces of famous architects, "generic" buildings—from office blocks and convenience stores, to high-rise apartment towers—are also sprinkled throughout the book, creating a full and fascinating overview of the architectural landscape of the city. Each of the book's seven chapters covers a different geographical district of Tokyo; and each building is accompanied by a selection of stunning black-and-white photographs. Written in an accessible, conversational style, and including maps and access information for each building, this book will appeal to the layman as well as to the professional architect, the visitor to Tokyo as well as to the armchair traveler.


Book Synopsis 21st Century Tokyo by : Julian Worrall

Download or read book 21st Century Tokyo written by Julian Worrall and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2010-05-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tokyo has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cities in the world, and nowhere is this more evident than in its modern architecture. Authors and architects Julian Worrall and Erez Golani Solomon, longtime residents of the city, have selected 83 outstanding examples of contemporary architecture, and introduce them, not just from an architectural perspective, but as part of the social, cultural, and political tapestry of the city. In addition to the monumental masterpieces of famous architects, "generic" buildings—from office blocks and convenience stores, to high-rise apartment towers—are also sprinkled throughout the book, creating a full and fascinating overview of the architectural landscape of the city. Each of the book's seven chapters covers a different geographical district of Tokyo; and each building is accompanied by a selection of stunning black-and-white photographs. Written in an accessible, conversational style, and including maps and access information for each building, this book will appeal to the layman as well as to the professional architect, the visitor to Tokyo as well as to the armchair traveler.


Japanese Civilization in the 21st Century

Japanese Civilization in the 21st Century

Author: Andrew Targowski

Publisher: Nova Science Publishers

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781634855983

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This book is a comprehensive synthesis of Japanese civilization in the 21st century. It covers all major elements of this civilization with a strong emphasis on how it can develop further in the future. All nations strive for prominence, but few reach it. Over the last 61 years (1965-2016), Japan has achieved this uncommon status. But, where is Japan heading in the 21st century? This question has been asked since the 1990s; Japan has been in a stagnant-deflation stage and has been looking for all sorts of solutions to return to the prosperous times reflecting Pax Niponnica in the 1970s and 1980s. The context of this situation and some recommendations for the future of Japanese culture are provided in this book. Nowadays, Japan is the third largest economy of the world, second only to China in the 2010s. Its economy performs at near zero growth, due primarily to its aging society, which is actually positive since the Japanese have the longest lifespan in the world today and slow growth does not unsustainably deplete resources and nature. Japans new purpose should be in the development of a sustainably wise civilization and its world-wide dissemination. Does Japanese civilization have a chance to trigger another reform and be successful again in the 21st century? This question has been pondered by several co-authors of the book. This monograph is written for those who are interested in the contemporary issues of the worlds globalization and the role of leading countries in this process. With this in mind, students, faculty, social and political activists from around the world should be interested in this book.


Book Synopsis Japanese Civilization in the 21st Century by : Andrew Targowski

Download or read book Japanese Civilization in the 21st Century written by Andrew Targowski and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a comprehensive synthesis of Japanese civilization in the 21st century. It covers all major elements of this civilization with a strong emphasis on how it can develop further in the future. All nations strive for prominence, but few reach it. Over the last 61 years (1965-2016), Japan has achieved this uncommon status. But, where is Japan heading in the 21st century? This question has been asked since the 1990s; Japan has been in a stagnant-deflation stage and has been looking for all sorts of solutions to return to the prosperous times reflecting Pax Niponnica in the 1970s and 1980s. The context of this situation and some recommendations for the future of Japanese culture are provided in this book. Nowadays, Japan is the third largest economy of the world, second only to China in the 2010s. Its economy performs at near zero growth, due primarily to its aging society, which is actually positive since the Japanese have the longest lifespan in the world today and slow growth does not unsustainably deplete resources and nature. Japans new purpose should be in the development of a sustainably wise civilization and its world-wide dissemination. Does Japanese civilization have a chance to trigger another reform and be successful again in the 21st century? This question has been pondered by several co-authors of the book. This monograph is written for those who are interested in the contemporary issues of the worlds globalization and the role of leading countries in this process. With this in mind, students, faculty, social and political activists from around the world should be interested in this book.


A New Japan for the Twenty-First Century

A New Japan for the Twenty-First Century

Author: Rien T. Segers

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2008-03-13

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 1134054076

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Many people in the West portray Japan as being fixed in its ways, and unable to change, and consequently risking national decline and international loss of prestige. However, in fact, Japan is at present in a significant transition period, comparable to the Meiji Restoration of 1868 or the period immediately after the Second World War. This transition period comes with a mixture of events and situations which are difficult to interpret both for foreign as well as domestic commentators and decision makers. In this book a range of senior experts from inside Japan outline the many considerable changes currently taking place in a wide range of fields, including the economy, business and technology, politics, governance and international relations, and a wide range of social issues - the media, the position of women, nationalism and national consciousness, and religion. Overall, the book provides a corrective to misplaced Western and Eastern views; it aims to redirect stereotyped thinking about contemporary Japan both inside as well as outside the country. In addition it gives a summary overview of contemporary Japan, its current changes and problems– in short the inside story of the second strongest national economy in the world which is in the process of fundamental re-engineering and which will continue to have a huge impact globally going forward.


Book Synopsis A New Japan for the Twenty-First Century by : Rien T. Segers

Download or read book A New Japan for the Twenty-First Century written by Rien T. Segers and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2008-03-13 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many people in the West portray Japan as being fixed in its ways, and unable to change, and consequently risking national decline and international loss of prestige. However, in fact, Japan is at present in a significant transition period, comparable to the Meiji Restoration of 1868 or the period immediately after the Second World War. This transition period comes with a mixture of events and situations which are difficult to interpret both for foreign as well as domestic commentators and decision makers. In this book a range of senior experts from inside Japan outline the many considerable changes currently taking place in a wide range of fields, including the economy, business and technology, politics, governance and international relations, and a wide range of social issues - the media, the position of women, nationalism and national consciousness, and religion. Overall, the book provides a corrective to misplaced Western and Eastern views; it aims to redirect stereotyped thinking about contemporary Japan both inside as well as outside the country. In addition it gives a summary overview of contemporary Japan, its current changes and problems– in short the inside story of the second strongest national economy in the world which is in the process of fundamental re-engineering and which will continue to have a huge impact globally going forward.


21st Century Innovation Systems for Japan and the United States

21st Century Innovation Systems for Japan and the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-05-15

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 0309136628

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Recognizing that a capacity to innovate and commercialize new high-technology products is increasingly a key for the economic growth in the environment of tighter environmental and resource constraints, governments around the world have taken active steps to strengthen their national innovation systems. These steps underscore the belief of these governments that the rising costs and risks associated with new potentially high-payoff technologies, their spillover or externality-generating effects and the growing global competition, require national R&D programs to support the innovations by new and existing high-technology firms within their borders. The National Research Council's Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy (STEP) has embarked on a study of selected foreign innovation programs in comparison with major U.S. programs. The "21st Century Innovation Systems for the United States and Japan: Lessons from a Decade of Change" symposium reviewed government programs and initiatives to support the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, government-university- industry collaboration and consortia, and the impact of the intellectual property regime on innovation. This book brings together the papers presented at the conference and provides a historical context of the issues discussed at the symposium.


Book Synopsis 21st Century Innovation Systems for Japan and the United States by : National Research Council

Download or read book 21st Century Innovation Systems for Japan and the United States written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2009-05-15 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recognizing that a capacity to innovate and commercialize new high-technology products is increasingly a key for the economic growth in the environment of tighter environmental and resource constraints, governments around the world have taken active steps to strengthen their national innovation systems. These steps underscore the belief of these governments that the rising costs and risks associated with new potentially high-payoff technologies, their spillover or externality-generating effects and the growing global competition, require national R&D programs to support the innovations by new and existing high-technology firms within their borders. The National Research Council's Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy (STEP) has embarked on a study of selected foreign innovation programs in comparison with major U.S. programs. The "21st Century Innovation Systems for the United States and Japan: Lessons from a Decade of Change" symposium reviewed government programs and initiatives to support the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, government-university- industry collaboration and consortia, and the impact of the intellectual property regime on innovation. This book brings together the papers presented at the conference and provides a historical context of the issues discussed at the symposium.


Japan's Quiet Transformation

Japan's Quiet Transformation

Author: Jeff Kingston

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2004-08-02

Total Pages: 375

ISBN-13: 1134478275

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The 1990s have been termed as 'Japan's lost decade' to describe how the phenomenal growth in the Japanese economy ground to a halt and the country was crippled by enormous and ongoing political, economic and social problems. In responding to these unprecedented difficulties, wide-ranging reforms have been adopted including NPO, information disclosure and judicial reform legislation. Controversially, this book argues that such reforms are creating a more robust civil society and demonstrate that Japan is far more dynamic than is generally recognized.


Book Synopsis Japan's Quiet Transformation by : Jeff Kingston

Download or read book Japan's Quiet Transformation written by Jeff Kingston and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2004-08-02 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 1990s have been termed as 'Japan's lost decade' to describe how the phenomenal growth in the Japanese economy ground to a halt and the country was crippled by enormous and ongoing political, economic and social problems. In responding to these unprecedented difficulties, wide-ranging reforms have been adopted including NPO, information disclosure and judicial reform legislation. Controversially, this book argues that such reforms are creating a more robust civil society and demonstrate that Japan is far more dynamic than is generally recognized.