Japan's choices : new globalism and cultural orientations in an industrial state /

This translation of a recent report by a study group composed of 17 Japanese experts under the chairmanship of the editor argues that Japan is at a historical turning point in its domestic and international economic development, and that it now should assume a more incisive role in the new system of globalism. Enhanced with numerous tables and 36 appendixes containing statistics, lists, comparative historical tables, and synopses of administrative acts, the report indicates changing relationships in the world economic system. The study group suggests that Japan enter into economic, industrial, and financial cooperation with other countries; encourage transnational corporate activites; assist less-developed countries in economic development and debt resolution; take a more vigorous role in research and development and the stimulation of technological progress; correct domestic and external imbalances by liberalizing imports and changing the domestic structure; and launch upon the road to "a new culturally oriented industrial state," with increased consumption, imports, creativity, spread of cultural and industrial activity over all of Japan, and with improved scholarship and basic research. The report is comprehensive and convincing. Highly recommended for academic collections. -B. Mieczkowski, Ithaca College