In breve:

In this second edition, Roger Buckley expands his introductory survey of contemporary Japan to the summer of 1989. He examines the development of Japan's postwar political system and its immense economic advances against a backdrop of social and cultural stablility and assesses the recent premierships of Mr. Nakasone and Mr. Takeshita, weighing the record and prospects of the ruling conservative party against the serious challenges it faces to its lengthy period in office. Japan's increasing industrial and financial power has forced the nation to reassess its earlier approaches to foreign and defense policies and the author discusses the changes in Japan's external relations. In addition to presenting political, economic and social analyses of present-day Japan, Roger Buckley offers an estimation of the future course of a nation that has attracted immense overseas interest in its ability to sustain substantial growth rates, high educational standards and social cohesion. Japan may not present a model for other nations to emulate, but greater knowledge of its strengths and weaknesses may assist students, businesspeople and visitors alike in gaining an appreciation of a formidable international competitor and ally.