The Japan That Can Say No: Why Japan Will Be First Among Equals

The Japan That Can Say No is a fervently candid, frequently disturbing text, but Shintaro Ishihara's views reflect an important part of the U.S.-Japanese agenda, which until now has largely been masked by convention-ally polite Japanese protocol. The book embodies two powerful trends in Japan today-an increasing national pride and self-confidence, and a growing dismay at what many Japanese consider foreign "misunderstanding" of their country. It is essential reading for any understanding and appreciation of modern Japan.

Part One of the book contains Ishihara's words verba-tim from the Japanese edition-hedging nothing. Part Two is entirely new, strengthening his view of Japanese-U.S. relations and amplifying his thoughts on Japan's future role in Europe and Asia.

Ultimately, Ishihara's appeal is for an open, direct dia-logue between Japan and the United States with the aim of understanding the differences between the two nations and developing the foundation for a working partner-ship-a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.