'In this important book, Koichi Shimokawa presents new insights into the reasons for Japan's automotive industry success and describes crucial phases of its development. Looking ahead into the future of the industry, he makes a powerful argument for a turn towards ecological sustainability. A masterpiece by the doyen of Japan's academic automotive research community!' Ulrich Jurgens, Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) and the Free University of Berlin '... comprehensive examination ... provides in-depth analysis on topics including more recent developments such as the growing Chinese market and the shift towards environment-friendly cars.' BCJ Acumen In this important book, Koichi Shimokawa presents new insights into the reasons for Japan's automotive industry success and describes crucial phases of its development. Looking ahead into the future of the industry, he makes a powerful argument for a turn towards ecological sustainability. A masterpiece by the doyen of Japan's academic automotive research community! - Ulrich Jurgens, Director of the Regulation of Work Research Unit at the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) and Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Political Science at the Free University of Berlin