The Power to Compete. An Economist and an Entrepreneur on Revitalizing Japan in the Global Economy

If youre as interested in Japan as I am, I think youll find that The Power to Compete is a smart and thought-provoking look at the future of a fascinating country. – Bill Gates, «5 Books to Read This Summer» Father and son – entrepreneur and economist – search for Japans economic cure The Power to Compete tackles the issues central to the prosperity of Japan – and the world – in search of a cure for the «Japan Disease.» As founder and CEO of Rakuten, one of the worlds largest Internet companies, author Hiroshi Mikitani brings an entrepreneurs perspective to bear on the countrys economic stagnation. Through a freewheeling and candid conversation with his economist father, Ryoichi Mikitani, the two examine the issues facing Japan, and explore possible roadmaps to revitalization. How can Japan overhaul its economy, education system, immigration, public infrastructure, and hold its own with China? Their ideas include applying business techniques like Key Performance Indicators to fix the economy, using information technology to cut government bureaucracy, and increasing the number of foreign firms with a head office in Japan. Readers gain rare insight into Japans future, from both academic and practical perspectives on the inside. Mikitani argues that Japans tendency to shun international frameworks and hide from global realities is the root of the problem, while Mikitani Sr.s background as an international economist puts the issue in perspective for a well-rounded look at todays Japan. Examine the causes of Japans endless economic stagnation Discover the current efforts underway to enhance Japans competitiveness Learn how free market «Abenomics» affected Japans economy long-term See Japans issues from the perspective of an entrepreneur and an economist Japans malaise is seated in a number of economic, business, political, and cultural issues, and this book doesnt shy away from hot topics. More than a discussion of economics, this book is a conversation between father and son as they work through opposing perspectives to help their country find The Power to Compete.