The Power to Compete
A father and son pair, an entrepreneur and an economist, are attempting to find a solution to Japan's economic problems. In search of a cure for the "Japan Disease," The Power to Compete investigates themes vital to Japan's – and the world's – growth. Hiroshi Mikitani, the founder and CEO of Rakuten, one of the world's largest Internet firms, sheds light on the country's economic stagnation from a business viewpoint. In a freewheeling and honest chat, he and his economist father, Ryoichi Mikitani, discuss the problems plaguing Japan and possible paths to regeneration. How can Japan maintain its competitiveness while restructuring its economy, school system, immigration policy, and public infrastructure? Their recommendations include using business principles like Key Performance Indicators to repair the economy, using information technology to reduce government bureaucracy, and increasing the number of international firms with headquarters in Japan. Readers gain unique insight into Japan's future from both intellectual and practical insider viewpoints.
Mikitani claims that the problem stems from Japan's inclination to reject international frameworks and hide from global realities, but Mikitani Sr's history as an international economist puts the issue in context for a well-rounded understanding of today's Japan.
-Examine the factors that have contributed to Japan's relentless economic stagnation.
-Learn about Japan's ongoing efforts to boost its competitiveness.
-Learn how free market "Abenomics" has impacted Japan's economy throughout time.
-Examine Japan's issues from the viewpoint of a businessman and an economist.
A host of economic, commercial, political, and cultural issues are at the base of Japan's woes, and this book doesn't shy away from confronting them. This book is more than an economics discussion; it is a conversation between a father and a son as they battle opposing perspectives in order to help their country find The Power to Compete.
"If you're as interested in Japan as I am, I think you'll 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"
