Japan Inc. An Introduction to Japanese Economics (The Comic Book) #[nn]
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeThis collected edition presents a unique educational approach to understanding Japan's post-war economic system through the comic book format. Originally published in 1988 by the University of California Press, it uses sequential art and accessible storytelling to explain complex concepts like trade policy, industrial strategy, and the role of government in Japan's economic rise. The volume is notable for its blend of academic rigor with visual narrative, making it a distinctive resource for students and enthusiasts of economic history or manga-style nonfiction.
"Trade Friction" presents a sharp, accessible look at the economic tensions between Japan and the U.S. in the late '80s, following Tsugawa and Kudo of the Mitsutomo Company as they navigate the challenges of export restrictions on Japanese cars. Written by Shotaro Ishinomori and Betsey Scheiner and illustrated by Ishinomori, the story uses clear, grounded storytelling to explore the real-world ripple effects on workers and subcontractors—all rendered in Ishinomori’s distinctive, expressive style. The cover, also by Ishinomori, captures the tension with a striking, minimalist composition.
In "Trade Friction," Tsugawa and Kudo of the Mitsutomo Company navigate the growing tension between Japan's export-driven economy and American trade barriers, grappling with how policy shifts ripple through their company, their workers, and the subcontractors who depend on them. Written by the creators of Japan Inc., this story offers a grounded look at global economics through the everyday pressures faced by those caught in the crossfire.
In "Countering the Rise of the Yen," Kudo grapples with the economic strain of a strong yen in his hometown, while Tsugawa quietly strategizes how Mitsutomo can turn the tide—each navigating the shifting landscape of Japanese economics in ways that test their priorities and principles.
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