This book aims to discredit the myth that has the `unique cultural traits'' of the Japanese as the key to the country''s success, arguing that the more realisable foundation of long-term investment in training and research is responsible.
The book looks at the development of Japan in the pre-War period. Yukiko Fukusaku sees the achievements of this period as central to the present competitiveness of the country''s industrial technology. She uses the Mitsubishi Nagasaki shipyard as a case study, looking at technological innovation and training as the keys to long-term stability and economic success.
The book has implications for industrial development worldwide. Japan''s starting point over a century ago was similar to the present conditions of many developing countries and the book''s emphasis on the acquisition of better skills as a key to development is as relevant to Europe and America as it is to the Third World.
