The Crisis in Pro Baseball and Japan's Lost Decade: The Curious Resilience of Heisei Japan

This book examines the Heisei era in Japan through the 2004 crisis in Japanese professional baseball, challenging the narrative of decline and revealing insights into the Japanese psyche, change, and resilience. It explores the business of professional baseball and its similarities to Japan's postwar political economy, highlighting systemic inefficiencies that could no longer be sustained. The book traces the crisis's unfolding and the characters involved, providing valuable insights into continuity and change in Japan during the Heisei era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Japan's Heisei era, offering a fresh perspective by examining the profound crisis that engulfed Japanese professional baseball in 2004. By challenging the prevailing narrative of decline that permeates discussions about this period, the book unveils a rich and nuanced understanding of the Japanese psyche during the "Lost Decade." Through the lens of this crisis, the story unfolds, shedding light on the nature of change in Heisei Japan and the remarkable resilience of the nation. The business of professional baseball, which emerged alongside Japan's postwar political economy, provides a valuable lens through which to explore these themes. The book meticulously traces the unfolding of the crisis, showcasing the diverse cast of characters who played pivotal roles, including team owners, players, IT entrepreneurs, and ordinary fans. These individuals' experiences and interactions offer a profound insight into the complex interplay between continuity and change in Japan, revealing the forces that drive and shape the country's evolution.

In-depth analysis of the key participants and developments of the crisis in baseball is presented, making this book an invaluable resource for students and scholars of sports management, Japanese history, and Japanese culture, particularly during the Heisei era. The book's exploration of the challenges faced by professional baseball in Japan sheds light on broader societal issues, such as economic stagnation, social inequality, and the impact of globalization. It serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Japanese experience and the enduring strength of its people in the face of adversity.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Japan's Heisei era and the profound impact of the crisis in professional baseball on the nation's psyche and society. Its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling make it a valuable contribution to the field of sports management, history, and culture studies.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032541709