Kawari: How Japan's Economic and Cultural Transformation Will Alter the Balance of Power Among Nations

by Milton Ezrati

Book Overview

At the end of the 20th century, Japan is once again at a crossroads, undergoing fundamental transformation, as it did when it opened its doors to trade in the 19th century and renounced its feudal past, or when it rose from the ashes of World War II as a mighty economic machine. Today's recession and real estate and financial crises reflect, however, a confluence of trends that are proving that its current model for economic growth is unsustainable...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738203149
• ISBN13: 9780738203140
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Ezrati's a "rattling read"

Ezrati's first book was a surprise to me, but after reading it, I found that I was intrigued about a subject I never gave much thought to; Japanese socioeconomic status. This is now my current field of fascination, and I must say that "Kawari" is one of the more enlightening books on the subject.

An Essay in Modern Political Economy

A sea change in demographics not seen since the end of the Second World War looms over the industrialised world. Every member of the OECD expects the ratio of workers to dependents to fall over the next fifty years, but none anticipates a disaster like Japan's: within a generation, Japan will fall from seven wage-earners per dependent to less than two. Needless to say, this kind of change cannot hope but have profound implications for Japan's culture, national politics, macro- and micro-economic climate, trade and military ties abroad, and her social democracy in general. We can anticipate a revolution in Japanese society and role in the world not seen since 1945.This is the theme of Mr. Ezrati's book, and an ambitious theme it is. Most authors would not be able to cover such a vast and profound topic without lapsing into either hyperbole or tedium, yet Mr. Ezrati manages to lead the reader through his argument with grace, aplomb, and style. He interposes hard facts and rigourous analysis with illuminating and entertaining anecdotes to offer a work that will prove useful to novices and experts alike. Ezrati never loses sight of his thesis and, though the sheer volume of knowledge that he brings to the discussion may seem dizzying, carefully guides the reader through his subtle logic to the startling conclusion. Well on its way to becoming required reading at my institution for all politics and economics students and faculty, Ezrati's Kawari is highly recommended for businessmen, academics, students, and amateurs with an interest, not only in Japan, but in the shape of geopolitics in the coming century.

Metamorphosis

Faced with economic difficulties and a rapidly growing retired population, Japan will have to undergo fundamental change, metamorphosis, in the near future. In a clear and practical writing style the author guides through the recent troubles of the Japanse system of a state-coordinated economy and the challenges imposed by demographic changes. In order to prevent decline, Japan must transform from a center of manufacturing to a "headquarter nation" helping to organise the deleloping Asian economies. This requires the rather isolationist country to reestablish its diplomatic and military presence in global politics. Brilliantly sharp analysis combined with real life anecdotes make this book a pleasure to read. It conveys an intuitive understanding of the Japanese way and its powerful implications for Asia and beyond. A must for anyone interested in global trends of economic and political power.

in-depth description of current situation in japan

this book is great, i love it very much.