Industrial Harmony in Modern Japan: The Invention of a Tradition (Nissan Institute Routledge Japanese Studies Series)

Economic success in Japan has been attributed to the existence of harmonious labour-management relations. "Industrial Harmony in Modern Japan" argues that this unique culture of harmony was consciously invented and developed over the last century. A semi-bureaucratic organization called the "Kyochokai" (The Co-operation and Harmony Society) was established in 1919 to meet the needs of an emerging industrial society. The "Kyochokai" took the lead in trying to define the values which would be suitable for a new Japanese-style industrial culture. The resulting invented tradition has played an important role in the evolution and character of Japanese economic values and behaviour. This book should be of interest to lecturers and students of Japanese studies, business, management, industrial relations and history.