Schaede (U. of California, San Diego) examines the economic growth of Japan from 2002 to 2008, noting how business reform and lean management principles fostered the longest period of uninterrupted financial prosperity since World War II. The author uses case studies from corporations such as Panasonic, Takeda, Astellas and Softbank to demonstrate how a more aggressive business environment full of mergers and takeovers have shaken industrial giants out of complacency. Written for those interested in international finance and economics, this book reveals how China's emergence as a superpower has contributed to these new business strategies. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)