ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses a number of theories have been advanced concerning the sources of the Japanese values and ways of thinking. Several attempts have been made to help understand the seemingly complicated values of the Japanese business people. Some propose that the origins of Japanese culture can be traced back to the rice-paddy culture of the Yayoi Period circa 300 BC The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, anthropologist Ruth Benedict wrote: During the past seventy-five years since Japans closed doors were opened, the Japanese have been described in the most fantastic series of but also ever used for any nation of the world. Basically, Japanese people inside and outside of business share the same values, even if the former may, being in a business environment, embrace some values more strongly.
