Customer Reviews

The Swordless Samurai: Leadership Wisdom of Japan's Sixteenth-Century Legend---Toyotomi Hideyoshi

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A worthwhile read for anyone interested in Japan and strategy - a page turning drama wrapped in the rags-to-riches story of a maverick who succeeds by using his wits rather than the sword. I found a copy of the 2005 Kitami Masao Japanese-language book in Tokyo's bookstore district of Kanda and see that the title of the original might be rendered as "Hideyoshi's Cram School for Business Management." It is different in tone and structure from "Swordless Samurai." translation. Not a problem: it simply highlights the differing goals of Kitami the self-help business writer and the intenitons of the author of "Swordless Samurai" who is adapting a 16th century to deliver a message about persistence and strategy with applications to today's business situations.

Kitami's book draws moral and ethical lessons from the deeds of the historical Hideyoshi's life and times. It is formulaic in that chapters are designed to be pedantic with vignettes, imaged dialogs between Hideyoshi and student-followers and comments from the author on business lessons to be extracted. As Hideyoshi's exploits and foibles are taught to students at all grade levels in Japan Kitami's audience has a wealth of background information on the historical settings. Kitami himself is a Nagoya-based management consultant specializing in small businesses with a number of self-help business book titles to his credit. So it is no surprise that his aim is to deliver bite-sized business lessons for the struggling Japanese businessman to read while riding crowded commuter trains.

On the other, Tim Clark's "translation" succeeds in introducing Western readers to a remarkable character from 16th century feudal Japan. It congers up a prototype of a role model for entrepreneurs today. In the process we learn about 16th century Japan, the Warring Nations period, the struggles of Hideyoshi's master Oda Nobunaga to bring the unruly provincial leaders under his leadership and the events leading up to and following the September 15, 1600, Battle of Sekigahara, setting the stage for the next 300 year period in Japan's history, the long reign of relative peace under the Tokugawa clan.

The stories selected from the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi transcend the boundaries of culture and time to speak great truths about leadership in a fun and accessible manner. Most importantly, they are told in such a way as to make them unforgettable, really bringing home what Mr. Clark calls the "Secrets of Great Leadership."

This book was very enjoyable to read, and more than once I've found myself sharing the amazing tales of Hideyoshi's many adventures with others.

One thing did bother me, however. Mr. Clark warns us in his introduction that he claims literary license to transliterate Japanese names. Okay, Mr. Clark, I understood when "One" became "Onay." But what about "Mitsuhide?" Why was that not changed for the reader? I know it is nit-picky, but the inconsistency in transliterating bothered me.

I was more interested in the historical aspect of Hideyoshi, but this book came off as some kind of pop leadership training guide. It was written from a 1st person perspective, even though Hideyoshi didn't write an autobiography, with each chapter being a different lesson on leadership. It went fast, and was interesting enough, but I'd probably been happier with a different biography.

This is an exceptional book. It uses many examples of events in the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi to illustrate superior leadership principles. This translation is a collection of fragments from "The Taikoki", which was the official Japanese history of Hideyoshi (d1598) written in 1625 by the Tokugawa government. There is much debate about various details of the Taikoki, but this should not be surprising consider it was composed by the victor who defeated the forces led by his Hideyoshi's son. Regardless, this book is full of great samurai stories and examples of leadership that is guaranteed to thrill any fan of this period. If you are unfamiliar with Hideyoshi, be sure to get a copy of the historical fiction masterpiece by Eiji Yoshikawa, "Taiko", I highly recommend both books.

An excerpt from 'Employ Those Whose Skills Exceed Your Own': "....A man named Hanbei was renowned for his skill in strategic warfare, and I resolved to bring him into my organization. But finding Hanbei, let alone persuading him to join me, proved a formidable task. The man was an enigma; weary of the prevailing martial chaos and disgusted with the debauched Saito Clan leader Tatsuoki, Hanbei had retired from worldly affairs. His whereabouts were a mystery."

Don't want to spoil too much. Enjoy.

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer. I find most business books dry, but it was hard to put The Swordless Samurai down. The story of Hideyoshi is riveting and Tim Clark relates it in a way that highlights the many timeless lessons of his rags-to-riches rise from peasant to supreme ruler of Japan. I finished the book a few days ago and still find myself recalling and mulling over various scenes.

Clark has done a great job of illustrating the importance of leadership skills such as decisiveness, foresight, dedication, and restraint through events in Hideyoshi's incredible life: Business ventures, battles, life and death negotiations and so forth.

Not since Goldratt's "The Goal" have I read a business novel that imparts its wisdom in such an accessible, engaging and memorable way.

To tell the truth, I bought this book expecting to take a while to read. Boy, was I wrong. The engaging text and history of Japan brought forth in this book will keep you waiting to see what happens on the next page.

The Author, Tim Clark, has produced yet another great book for students both young and experienced, that strives at giving you a different attitude towards managing your life-in a personal & business sense.

the condition of the book was excellent but its contents are disappointing: it appears to be a translation of ancient events(folklore?)with many educated guesses and appears to be a fairly simplistic rendition considering the complexity and sophistication of Japanese's culture at the time.

This book was recommended by a business associate and touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread. He probably has better beer recommendations. This is supposedly a "translation" from a 16th Century Samurai who became a great leader, not through violence, but through cunning, smarts and hard work. It's a typical customer service manual clothed in an half interesting fable. Here's the drill (that you've heard a million times before): in order to excel and become the acknowledged leader in your field you must:

1. Ingratiate yourself to people who can help you (i.e., are already in positions of power)
2. Work hard, hard, hard (nights, weekends, holidays, kid's soccer games, Christmas, missing your daughter's wedding, etc.)
3. Find out what your competition is up to and out maneuver them
4. Mastermind. Find other like minded people who are willing to help you.
5. Don't forget the people who really helped you out. Not the people who just happened to be there but the people who were really instrumental to your success.
6. Be decisive. Take risks.

Anyone who has ever read a business book about leadership or entrepreneurship has already read dozens of books like this one. Save your money.

It was interesting to learn this story is a famous legend that most Japanese people are familiar with. I found it a charming tale with excellent lessons in leadership, influencing people, and becoming successful.

An excellent book! In fact, I read this book 3 times in the first week. An easy read, but the principles revealed within the pages are of great importance and value to those who wish to grasp the strategy used by the Monkey King in his rise and continued hold on power.

A must-read for all leaders of men. Sound advice for those looking to make it to the top of their field and do it in a manner that is non-agressive, ethical, completely moral and strategic.

You have to read this book.