Book Review: Japan and the Shackles of the Past – A Necessary and Unflinching Look
Japan and the Shackles of the Past argues that Japan's modernization is profoundly uneven, with economic strength contrasting with political and social weakness. The critique connects today's secretive, corrupt institutional elites directly to the Tokugawa period, highlighting a cultural "magic realism" where contradictory ideas coexist, creating systemic inertia. The book offers a crucial, clear-eyed perspective for understanding modern Japan's dilemmas.
Is "Culture" Just a Convenient Excuse for Management Failure?
Analyzing business problems by simply citing 'culture' is the lowest form of management. True understanding requires examining economic and political factors, recognizing that national values stem from specific events like imperialism, and focusing on solvable local issues. The most sophisticated managers ignore the term altogether, prioritizing deep market knowledge over easy stereotypes.
The Spartan Face of Japan: A Traditionalist's Dilemma
Ancient Sparta and modern Japan share a fear of change. This historicist view, where progress is seen as a decline, echoes Plato's philosophy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, like past "Great Men," believes he can reverse this decline. However, this path risks repeating past mistakes, prioritizing a tribal, anti-reason mentality that historically has led to suicidal national behavior.