Anshuman Khare - Transforming Japanese Business: Rising to the Digital Challenge

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Business today is facing unprecedented change mainly due to the adoption of new, primarily digital , technologies . From the Internet of Things to blockchain to cybersecurity , digital technologies are pushing the envelope of how we interact and view our world. We are noticing manufacturing and services as they further transform due to advanced robotics; the emergence of artificial intelligence ; the growth of digital networks, which are increasing in size and capability as the number of connected devices explodes; advanced manufacturing (such as 3D printing ); and collaborative connected platforms, including machine-to-machine communications . The adoption of digital technology has caused process disruptions in both manufacturing and service sectors and has led to new business models and new products.

The title of the book,Transforming Japanese Business: Rising to theDigitalChallenge, captures the theme. It includes chapters from key management areas impacted by digital technologies, such as the manufacturing, economic, and financial sectors, along with service perspectives.

While examining the preparedness of the Japanese economy to embrace these changes, this book explores the impact of digitally influenced changes on selected sectors from a Japan-based perspective. Japans economy was highly successful in developing new business models and management techniques when it was and centered on manufacturing, especially during the postwar recovery. At the same time, it successfully selected and adapted ideas from overseas. The long stagnation following the Bubble Economy until recent years drew criticism that Japan could not or would not adapt to the digital era . Are new ideas growing up locally in Japans challenging environment? Are existing ideas being adopted from outside and adapted locally? This book examines the landscape of manufacturing and services to consider some problems and some bright points related to these overarching questions.

The book presents the impact of digital technologies in three sectionsthe societal and economic outlook, innovations in businesses, and the future outlook:

The authors of the chapters are drawn from academia, the industry, and consultancies closely involved with implementing and inventing digital transformations . The editors targeted individuals with strong ties and the understanding of Japanese business. This, they considered, was necessary to present an unbiased view of how Japanese business thinks and adopts digital business transformation.

The authors and the editors have targeted business educators and leading workplace managers who have interest in Japanese business systems and processes. The book will also be of interest to those looking to gain a better understanding of global manufacturing and how one of the worlds leaders in manufacturing, Japan, is reacting to digital revolution engulfing all parts of the world.

The editors are thankful to the contributors of this book (editorial board members, reviewers, and the authors), who helped to showcase the Japanese industry to an international audience.