Choose and Focus is a terrific book. Ulrike Schaede argues that the Japanese economy has changed profoundly since 1998: companies have broken free of the old model and become profit-driven. She warns that people in other countries ignore Japan's new nimbleness, efficiency, and innovation at their peril. The book brilliantly combines an economy-wide survey of how government regulation has become more market-oriented with illustrations of the nitty-gritty of changing business practices in key sectors. Schaede is a real storyteller, and her descriptions of the transformation of industries ranging from chemicals to finance are lively and gripping.

In Choose and Focus, Ulrike Schaede's Japanese-language skills, rich network of contacts in Japan, and long experience are all put to good use. She brings together a rich mix of data to develop a convincing and original argument that Japan (at last) is making the changes that will allow it to be a formidable force in the new global economy.

Japan is back. While China or India have been grabbing headlines, Japan Inc. has quietly revolutionized its way of doing business. As the world struggles to pull out of the post-subprime recession, Japan is poised to come out a winner. A fierce and focused competitor has emerged. This book offers the best insight into what drives Japan's newfound strength. Ignore it and you may find yourself losing out to the new Japan powerhouse.

Are the traditional Japanese business models and management approaches that proved so successful in the 1970s and 1980s changing? Schaede says yes, as evidenced by Japan's economic upswing between 2002 and (mid) 2008. Using her knowledge of Japanese language and culture to better understand contemporary Japanese business, she successfully argues that a new business strategy is being used by large and small firms, and particularly by firms rooted in component and materials industries.... Schaede analyzes and explains new models of mergers/acquisitions/takeovers, reorganizations, and restructuring, which are often driven by competition both within and outside Japan, and the use of venture capital and start-ups. This easy-to-read book is valuable for anyone doing business in and with Japan or wanting to learn about business practices there. Highly recommended.