The Contemporary Japanese Economy: Between Civil Society and Corporation-Centered Society

This book examines the development of the Japanese economy since the 1980s. Drawing upon a wealth of information, the author analyzes and explicates the development and change in the contemporary Japanese economy with a focus that is threefold. First, the position of the Japanese economy in the world is examined, showing how the effects of Japan's rapid economic growth beginning in the 1960s were felt in Japan and the rest of the world. Next, the internal structure of the large corporation system is set forth, with an explanation of how that structure affected and in turn was affected by the "bubble" economy. Finally, the life of the Japanese people vis-a-vis the large corporation system is considered, with an explanation of the theory of civil society and Japan's corporation-centered society. The book's treatment of the significance of these historical and structural changes in Japan creates a valuable resource for all who have an interest in Japanese society.