The following publications have been edited by Dr Craig Freedman, Director of the Centre for Japanese Economic Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Freedman, C. (ed.) (2000) Japanese Economic Policy Reconsidered, Edward Elgar Publishing, UK
Freedman, C. (ed.) (1999) Why did Japan Stumble?- Causes and Cures, Edward Elgar Publishing, UK
Economic Reform in Japan: Can the Japanese Change?
'These lively, thoughtful and provocative essays by Ron Dore and other substantial scholars provide important insights, while reflecting quite divergent views as to how Japan should reform its economic institutions. While change in Japan is inevitable, desirable and indeed occurring, there is no concensus on the outcomes, or whether Japan will converge to the Anglo-American model. These and related themes make this a stimulating read.'
-Hugh T. Patrick, Columbia Business School, Columbia University, USA.
At the start of a new century, Japan finds itself confronted with an economic challenge that is unlike any it has faced since the end of World War II. Most commentators agree that Japan has to change. The issue is the form and direction that such a change must take.
While many Western economists forcefully urge the Japanese to become more like the US, there are other academics who have registered strong reservations to such a simplistic solution. In this volume, noted scholars take opposing positions on key issues including financial reform, corporate change and international trade. Following the editor's thought-provoking introduction and overview of the topic, the papers that follow an opportunity for readers to consider the underlying conflicts in Japan's economy and society that makes choosing a new direction such a difficult proposition.
Economic Reform in Japan is a coherent and eminently readable book designed to provoke furher discussion amongst scholars and researchers of Japan and East Asia, economists, political scientists and sociologists.
Japanese Economic Policy Reconsidered
'This attractively titled volume . . . analyses the Japanese economy and associated economic policy issues, not by responding to old arguments dealing with Japan's "Economic Miracle", but by taking a pragmatic view of the current complexities that define the industrial and financial organisation of Japan. The internationally known scholars tackle the problems associated with the need for reform in a mature economy. They conclude that Japan requires significant reforms in monetary, regulatory and even foreign policy. The striking insights are made easily accessible thanks to the editor's insightful introduction. Anyone interested in the economic problems currently facing Japan will find much in the volume to be of lasting interest. '
-Mitsuaki Okabe, Keio University, Japan
The rise and relative decline of the Japanese economy has been an important feature of the world economy over the last decade. In this innovative book, distinguished experts re-evaluate commonly held perceptions in the West and in Japan about the strength of the economy. They shed new light on Japan's current economic situation and prescribe policies to restructure the domestic economy in order to achieve growth objectives.
Japanese Economic Policy Reconsidered provides a critical evaluation of the key issues facing the Japanese economy, and the political and economic environments that continue to hold back Japan's future growth. The contributors advocate far-reaching structural reform in order to allow market forces to dictate industry policy.
They then turn to the changing role of foreign trade and evaluate the Clinton Administration's attempt to define a new approach to US-Japan relations.
Special attention is given to an empirical analysis of the problem of overseas production.
They also examine the peculiar characteristics of Japanese foreign direct investment inflows, and advocate the removal of disincentives to foreign investment, in order to encourage trade and economic growth.
The authors then discuss the role of the financial sector, particularly in relation to Germany and the US, and discover parallels in monetary policy in all three countries.
They recommend regulatory reform of the financial sector in Japan to adapt to the future financial environment.
This volume will be accessible to both scholars and practitioners looking for a deeper insight into modern Japan. It will also be of great use to students of macroeconomics, Asian studies, business economics and international economics.Why Did Japan Stumble? - Causes and Cures
'. . . the publication of 'Why Did Japan Stumble? . . . is very welcome. In a single location, the reader can sample a wide variety of conflicting explanations, some of them by very influential Japanese thinkers. . . . Those interested in the state of the debate among top rank participants would do well to include this book on their reading list.'
-Richard Katz, Journal of Japanese Studies
Contributors:
| Jenny Corbett | Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, Oxford University |
| Peter Drysdale | Australia-Japan Research Centre, Australian National University |
| Craig Freedman | Centre for Japanese Economic Studies, Macquarie University |
| Michael Hutchison | Department of Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Takashito Ito | Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University |
| Ryutaro Komiya | Economics Department, Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo |
| Rita Madrassy | Department of Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Eileen Mauskopf | Board of Governors, Federal Reserve Bank, Washington DC |
| Kathleen McDill | Department of Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Michio Morishima | Suntory and Toyota Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science |
| Hugh Patrick | Graduate School of Business, Columbia University |
| Kyoko Sheridan | Graduate School of Management (Adelaide University) |
| Masaru Yoshitomi | Long Term Credit Bank of Japan Research Institute |
| Mitsuaki Okabe | Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University |
To order any of these publications contact Dr Craig Freedman
