The MIT Encyclopedia of the Japanese Economy was the first English-language encyclopedia to cover all major aspects of Japan's postwar economy. The second edition has been fully revised and expanded, and includes previously unpublished data as well as coverage of recent developments in the economy. The definitional entries concisely explain major economic concepts and include translations of Japanese economic terms and cross references to the longer topical essays. The 180 topical essays cover banks, financial systems, major industries, corporate groups, management practices, labor unions, international trade and investments, government economic policies, and more. They also include comprehensive statistics, American and Japanese views on economic relations between the two countries, and suggestions for further reading. A new index contains names of major companies.

Japan, although now listed as the world’s third-largest economy after that of the United States and China, has been too readily dismissed in the late 20th century as a spent force. This is as unfortunate as it is incorrect for a number of reasons. First, while the Peoples’ Republic of China. is indeed growing and its markets are expanding, an enormous amount of the impetus for development as well as logistical support is coming from large numbers of Japanese corporations operating in the PRC. Major Japanese enterprises such as Toyota, Sony, and Honda are already in China or are in the process of establishing a presence there. The export of Japanese technology remains an important contribution to China’s development. The benchmark of product quality within Asia and in some areas beyond has been set by Japanese industrial standards. This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Japanese Business contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 800 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, Japanese businesses, politics, and economy,. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Japanese Business.