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drjohnbrown's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.5
I was hoping this would be more interesting. I have no problem with dry, information-heavy text- but the issue with this is that it couldn't decide whether it was that or whether it was more of a memoir.
While the writing is technically good, the book just wasn't for me.
While the writing is technically good, the book just wasn't for me.
krpollard's review
3.0
Although this book took me a long time to work through, I did ultimately like the exposure to a kind of reading that I don't often seek out. Be forewarned: the long chapters on facts and statistics are not for the faint of heart. I much preferred the chapters on Japanese history and culture, which I found very interesting. The chapters on economics I found less so, though they helped explain much of the political rhetoric I hear these days. If I could find an equivalent read for the States or Germany, I would be very interested to read a similarly researched and (relatively) succinctly stated current analysis of those countries as well.
tsharris's review
4.0
Fine account blending history and reportage of how Japan has struggled to overcome multiple challenges since the early 1990s. The review of Japan's history prior to 1990 was probably a bit overlong, but nevertheless Pilling has written perhaps the best social, political, and economic history of the post-bubble era. Perhaps best of all is his willingness to let others do the talking, including both notable Japanese - Murakami Haruki, Funabashi Yoichi- and ordinary Japanese voices.
alundeberg's review
4.0
If you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to say, “Wow! Japanese economic policy is really interesting!”, here is your book. Pilling does more than cover The tumultuous state of Japanese economics, however; this book is an in-depth look as to where Japan is today and how it got there. Heavily researched, Pilling seems to have interviewed almost everyone in Japan, looked at every piece of data, and have read every article to not say what Japan should do, but to reveal it as it is— flaws and all. He originally sought to find out how it bounces back from great destruction, but it felt like he had so much info, he gave up that purpose and is just telling us all he learned. What I found most interesting is how it’s people defined themselves versus the rest of the world, how they became a belligerent nation, how they deal with their past as both the oppressor and victims, and how the role of women is slowly changing. You know there are some issues when the best thing a Japanese woman can do for herself is leave the country. If you’re looking for a primer on Japanese culture, this might be overkill, but if you want an even-handed account of Japan as a whole, this book is for you.
simplymary's review
3.0
I really loved the first few chapters of this book: learning about the effects of the tsunami, getting a glimpse of modern life in Japan, and coming to more clearly understand the benefits and drawbacks to the Japanese elitist mindset (that their country is singularly unique and superior to the rest of the world). However, it was a chore for me to get through much of the rest of the book, which isn't necessarily the author's fault (very thorough and detailed reporting); it was more detailed on history and economics than I was looking for. The honest assessment of the effect of geishas and traditional roles (free sex for the men, oppression for women) was depressing, and lurid details of the red light district were disturbing. However, the overall message of the book is that the Japanese will to overcome any adversity is what helps the nation survive hardship, and it's a fascinating read if you're interested in more than a surface view of Japanese current affairs and history.
onesime's review
4.0
A great introduction to the political and social situation in modern Japan. Pilling's strength is analysing each topic from multiple angles. As I'm not at all familiar with the academics and politicians referenced in this book, the author's repeated introductory sentences to everyone were very useful, but I can imagine that if you know who he's talking about it might get tedious. Definitely recommended for readers new to the topic.