Mitsui

I have just finished reading this book. I can reccomend it if you have an interest of Japan or business practises. Centering on the influential 'Zaibatsu' holding company Mitsui, from its founding late in the Tokugawa period to the late 1980s. As the Mitsui enterprise is a very far reaching influence, much of the history, particularly post Meiji-era history of Japan is covered, and the faces behind policies and movements are brought to life. A few moments in the book made me laugh out loud, such as the export of products bearing the label 'Made in Usa' (Usa is a town in Kyushu) It conveys much of the awesome scale of things within Mitsui and other Zaibatsu However, it is quite heavy reading, particularly if, like me, you dont know much about business practises and general terms. A useful book for learning about the history of Japanese trading, so powerful today.