Customer Reviews

America and the Four Japans: Friend, Foe, Model, Mirror

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Author's thesis is that Japan can best be understood by looking at it from the four perspectives enumerated in the book's subtitle.

The author's thesis is original, well researched/supported (including many citations to Japanese publications) and rings true to me but doesn't read like an academic treatise . Also, the book's brevity is a plus.

The only downside to the book is that it's now in need of an update -- most of the source material is from the late 80's and early 90's. It would be great if the author would update the book in light of the changes of the last 5-10 years, perhaps with a new intoduction and epilogue.

The author's other books include "Manga! Manga!" (about the Japanese comic book/graphic novel genre) and "Inside the Robot Kingdom" whci is about Japanese robotics and robot culture.

To be honest the only reason i purchased this book was because I enjoyed two of the author's other books that dealt with manga, or japanese comics. I found this book to be pretty interesting and very readable, but I also found it to be a book for those who have not been exposed to many other books about Japan. I say this because much of the information that Mr. Schodt writes on can be found in about any other book on Japan. especially quick review books. The book, however, is fun to read and the reader might pick up tidbits of information that he or she might have not known, but overall this book was very rudiementary, and by the year 2001 quite out dated as well.

Originally published in 1994, America And The Four Japans is an analysis of the constantly changing relationship between Japan and the United States that remains timely and relevant as it was a decade ago. Incorporating history, cultural commentary, and opinions from both sides of the Pacific Ocean, it portrays Japan in four different roles as related to the U.S.: friend, rival, role model, and mirror. Chapters briefly survey modern Japanese history, address the trade deficit, warn against wishful thinking on both sides, and reveal the common threads that tie together two strikingly different cultures. A "must-read" introduction especially for international businesspeople and anyone whose career or personal interest lies in coming fully to grips with the dynamics of U.S.-Japanese economic, political and cultural interaction.

This is a really excellent book & should be read by all with any sort of interest in Japan & those interested in Japan/U.S. relationships over the past 150 years or so. I lived in Japan for many years & speak and read the language, so can vouch for the authenticity of this book. It's also an excellent choice for instructors teaching classes on U.S./Japan relationships and the like. Highly recommended.