The Postwar Japanese System : Cultural Economy and Economic Transformation

While other industrialized and developing countries look towards Japan as an economic model, the political, cultural, and social arrangements that have so far allowed Japan to succeed are eroding. In particular, Japan faces a system of industrial relations that places great strain on all of Japanese society. In The Postwar Japanese System , William Tabb distinguishes between those aspects of Japanese success that can and cannot be transferred successfully to help in the revitalization of the American economy. The author discusses Japanese economic history from before the Meiji Restoration to the present, and looks at Japanese politics, state-corporate relations, the labor relations system in Japan and the nature of work as experienced by Japanese employees. He examines the organization of the Japanese corporation versus the American corporation, industrial policy, education, urban and regional reorganization, and Japan's role in the world today (and tomorrow). And, Tabb thoughtfully explores the fundamental social, political, and economic transitions the Japanese are currently experiencing. The Postwar Japanese System succeeds in placing the economic "miracle" in its proper social and political framework. A broad, intelligent overview of the Japanese political economy, the book suggests important implications for the United States in the story of Japan's prosperity and current distress. It will be a key resource for all those interested in Japanese society. Contents......Page 8 Introduction......Page 12 1. From Garbagne to the Coast of Bohemia, or, Assume a Japan......Page 20 2. Competition, Culture, and the Economy......Page 44 3. The Modernization Process......Page 70 4. The Japanese System in the Golden Age......Page 95 5. The Case of the Automobile Industry......Page 121 6. The Industrial Relations Regime......Page 149 7. Capital Versus the Regions......Page 178 8. Overaccumulation, Speculation, and Corruption......Page 207 9. Trade Antagonism and Industrial Policy......Page 234 10. Economic Transformation and the World System......Page 264 11. Japan and the New Competition......Page 294 12. Through a Rashomon Mirror Darkly......Page 320 Notes......Page 348 Bibliography......Page 390 A......Page 408 C......Page 409 D......Page 410 E......Page 411 G......Page 412 I......Page 413 J......Page 414 L......Page 415 M......Page 416 O......Page 417 Q......Page 418 S......Page 419 T......Page 420 U......Page 421 W......Page 422 Z......Page 423 This book critically examines Japan's success and places the country's postwar "miracle" within a broader social and political framework. Tabb argues that while industrialized countries and developing countries alike are looking to Japan as an economic model, the political and social arrangements that have allowed the country to succeed are eroding. Critically examines Japan's success and places the country's postwar ""miracle"" within a broader social and political framework. Exploring the fundamental social, political, and economic transitions the Japanese experience, this is a key resource for those interested in Japanese society