The Power to Compete: An Economist and an Entrepreneur on Revitalizing Japan in the Global Economy Hardback - 2014

Throughout its history, Japan has had a strong sense of its political, economic, and cultural individuality. This pride in the Japanese tradition has been one of the nation's greatest strengths--and one of its greatest weaknesses. In a world of connection, collaboration, and rapid exchange, Japan is falling behind. This is the reality readers must confront in The Power to Compete, a truly one-of-a-kind book with a sensitive approach to the most pressing issues faced by Asia's island nation.

The authors and protagonists of The Power to Compete are Hiroshi Mikitani, chairman and CEO of one of Japan's largest Internet companies, and his father Ryoichi Mikitani, a leading Japanese economist. In this series of long-form conversations between them, the perspectives of father and son come together to uncover the path forward that will allow Japan to slough off its decades-long stagnation.

Combining hard-hitting analysis with a little light banter, The Power to Compete is an enjoyable read that nonetheless presents important revelations and recommendations. Mikitani, Sr., who passed away shortly before the publication of this book, was a Harvard-educated international economist who studied under Nobel Prize winners and made important contributions to Japanese economic theory. His understanding of Abenomics, the free market economic reform plan of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, provides a depth to The Power to Compete that is lacking in many other books on the topic. Mikitani, Jr., on the other hand, has the practical experience to know how the Japanese business world will be affected if the nation fails to evolve.

Through their conversations, Mikitani, Sr., and Mikitani, Jr., arrive at a series of conclusions that will inspire readers to work on the international stage for Japan's development. Summarized concisely at the end of each chapter, these conclusions range from implementing business strategies like key performance indicators to using technological advancements in an effort to reform and modernize childhood education.

The authors of this book do not suggest that Japan should change. Instead, they show how Japan can use its historical strengths and strong national identity to create an economic platform to return to competitiveness in the global arena. The Power to Compete is a cross-generational conversation that should engage a new group of entrepreneurs and officials in the process of creating a future for Japan that is both peaceful and prosperous.