Human Face of Japan's Leadership Twelve Portraits

One of the most prevalent and dangerous American misperceptions is the image of Japan as a faceless, impersonal, corporate entity. The Human Face of Japan's Leadership corrects this and presents a new perspective on the men who will lead that nation into the next century. In doing so,the author gives the reader a better idea of what makes these men tick, of the experiences which have shaped their values, and their views of Japan and the world. Weinstein conducted approximately 100 hours of taped interviews with 12 Japanese leaders in their 40s and 50s, including four members of the Diet, four bureaucrats, and four businessmen. These interviews form the core of the book: 12 biographical portraits, presented as oral histories and largely in the participant's words. These are individual, personal accounts which begin with family and regional background including childhood, youth in World War II, the Occupation, educational experiences, and views of Japan's future. These accounts also shed light on how the system of educational meritocracy and family interact to produce Japanese leaders. Japan's leadership includes a relatively high proportion of people, who while insiders and members of their Establishment, are at the same time knowledgeable and at ease in foreign languages and cultures. These "internationalized" leaders are committed to successful interaction with the outside world. Weinstein's book will help Americans gain a more accurate, balanced view of their most important overseas trading partner and ally in the Pacific.Weinstein, Martin E. is the author of 'Human Face of Japan's Leadership Twelve Portraits', published 1989 under ISBN 9780275933517 and ISBN 0275933512.