The Japan Society Review

By Jeff Kingston The 1990s have been termed as 'Japan's lost decade' to describe how the phenomenal growth in the Japanese economy ground to a halt and the country was crippled by enormous and ongoing political, economic and social problems. In responding to these unprecedented difficulties, wide-ranging reforms have been adopted including NPO, information disclosure and judicial reform legislation. Controversially, this book argues that such reforms are creating a more robust civil society and demonstrate that Japan is far more dynamic than is generally recognized. Review by Sean Curtin

Edited by Robert M. Stern This book deals with the potential for improvements as part of formal government-to-government negotiations in the multilateral context in the World Trade Organization (WTO), regionally in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and bilaterally with the administration of national trade laws and the negotiation of free trade agreements. Review by Takahiro Miyao

By Michael Breen Kim Jong-il has been the subject of intense interest and fear in recent months. He has been demonised as 'Dr Evil' for his nuclear programme which puts Korea on a collision course with the US. For this reason, the world has a stake in understanding this man and his little-known country. This account aims to tell the compelling story of Kim Jong-il and the country he leads. Review by Tomohiko Taniguchi

By Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth This richly detailed yet concise encyclopedia is a guide to the full range of Japanese history and civilization, from the dawn of its prehistory to today, providing clear and accessible information on society and institutions, commerce and industry, sciences, sports, and politics, with particular emphasis on religion, material culture, and the arts. Review by Susan House Wade

Edited by Greg Irvine This publication is a comprehensive guide dealing specifically with important collections of publicly available Japanese art in the UK. It identifies the wide range of Japanese art collections nationwide, making them known and accessible to all those interested in Japan's unique art and culture. The guide contains cross-references in the index to town, county, type of holding, etc., and regional maps. Review by Marie Therese Barrett

Edited by Steven K. Vogel This new book evaluates the changing relationship between the two great powers, providing in-depth analysis on a variety of topics. It scrutinizes the historical context, providing the reader with predictive tools for understanding events as they unfold. Instead of looking at the U.S.-Japan relationship one issue at a time, this book examines specific trends and then analyzes how these trends affect the relationship as a whole. Review by Takahiro Miyao

By Richard Katz Japan will recover and its economic achievements will once again earn the world's admiration, with sustained annual growth of three percent, perhaps more, well within reach. This is the confident forecast that begins Japanese Phoenix: The Long Road to Economic Revival. Review by Takahiro Miyao

By Geoffrey Bownas, David Powers, Christopher P. Hood, et. al. A one-stop guide to Japanese business practice, but this is no ordinary guide to the dos and don'ts of business etiquette in Japan. Twenty experts and real business people guide the reader in approaching and succeeding in this "difficult, but attractive market". Review by Tomohiko Taniguchi

By Aaron Friedberg, Richard Ellings, et. al. The Strategic Asia Program at The National Bureau of Asian Research is a major ongoing research initiative that draws together top Asia studies specialists and international relations experts to assess the changing strategic environment in the Asia Pacific. Review by Tomohiko Taniguchi

Edited by Ulrike Schaede and William Grimes Globalization and multilateralization of the world political economy have pressed new pressures for all industrialized democracies to adapt, change, and reform their policies and economic structures. Nevertheless, no country seems more challenged by these pressures than Japan that has resisted global rules for its domestic markets for a long time. Review by Mikihiro Maeda