The Contest for Japan's Economic Future: Entrepreneurs vs Corporate Giants

Japan's economy is stagnant, but a new generation of entrepreneurs is needed to revive it. Social changes, such as generational attitudes about work and gender relations, and the rise of e-commerce are opening new opportunities, but resistance by powerful forces, such as banks and the system of lifetime employment, remains an uphill climb. The book details the contest for Japan's economic future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Japan's postwar economic miracle was sparked by a wave of entrepreneurship, and a new generation of entrepreneurs is needed to revive its stagnant economy. A complex distribution system dominated by incumbents has made it difficult for newcomers to get their products on store shelves. However, significant social changes are opening new opportunities. Generational changes in attitudes about work and gender relations are leading more talented people to new companies, including ambitious women who are regularly denied promotions at traditional companies. The rise of e-commerce is enabling tens of thousands of newcomers to bypass the traditional distribution system and sell their products to millions of customers. Three decades of low growth have convinced many within both the elites and the public of the need for change, but progress remains an uphill climb due to resistance by powerful forces. Bank financing remains difficult, with the system of lifetime employment making it hard for newcomers to recruit the staff they need. Banks, often in the same sprawling conglomerates as corporate giants, are still loath to lend to new companies. While parts of the government try to promote more startups, other parts resist making the needed changes in regulations, taxes, and budgets. Japan's economic future will be determined by the contest detailed in this book.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197675106