by Tim Clark (Editor)
Japan, during most of its history, has been ruled by its all-powerful Emperors. But in the 16th century - called by the Japanese the Age of Warring Clans - regional potentates were endlessly fighting one another with their small armies of samurai warriors.Hideyoshi, who called himself the Swordless Samurai, is the Japanese Horatio Alger. He was of peasant origin, but by bonding to powerful Lord Nobunaga, and by being useful to him day and night, Hideyoshi secured a powerful patron. Much later, Hideyoshi broke all class barriers and ultimately became the most powerful man in Japan.Hideyoshi has long been immortalised - so much so that every schoolboy in Japan is taught the moral that good judgement, keen intelligence, and sharp wits will win out over your adversaries almost every time.Hideyoshi's leadership and success precepts are embedded in the narrative as Hideyoshi wins many bloodless battles. He also won many victories, and analyzes his rise to supreme leadership. His sense of what it took -drive, shrewdness, anticipation, and determination - is readily understandable to a western businessman or businesswoman today.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 243
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: 23 Sep 2008
ISBN 10: 0312382332
ISBN 13: 9780312382339
TIM CLARK spent ten years working in Japan, founding a pioneering Asia-focused marketing research consultancy that was acquired by a public corporation. Today he lives in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches graduate entrepreneurship courses while pursuing doctoral business studies through Hitotsubashi University.