From the Publisher
Naito’s intonation creates an easy-to-understand and relatable delivery. . . . [His] brisk pace keeps the story moving while reflecting the businesslike tone of the material.”
—AudioFile
“Narrator Jun Naito’s clear, steady-paced performance helps convey the Rakuten effort to empower its online merchants to deliver . . . the Japenese hospitality concept. . . . A useful addition to the genre of e-commerce business.”
—Library Journal
Bloomberg Business Week
Japanese executives aren’t known for bucking the establishment. Hiroshi Mikitani is a rare exception at a time when rebellion is most needed.”
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
APRIL 2013 - AudioFile
In 2010, Japanese entrepreneur Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and CEO of Rakuten, Inc., an electronics firm, announced that the company would conduct business in Japan in English. Some found his decision controversial; others found it groundbreaking. But Mikitani was crystal clear in his vision—a quality that comes alive through the narration of Jun Naito. Naito’s intonation creates an easy-to-understand and relatable delivery without the heavy-handed accent that is often used to mimic English as spoken by Asians. Those who enjoy nonfiction titles won't mind the lack of variety in the narration, particularly the repetitive cadence used for emphasis in many sentences. Overall, Naito’s brisk pace keeps the story moving while reflecting the businesslike tone of the material. M.R. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine