Acknowledgements
¯ Thanks to Omori Marie, through whom I was able to see and understand Japanese business. Thanks also to Dr James Abegglen for his critical comments; Dr Hirose Kawaguchi Kazuko, of Sophia; Ando¯ Masahiro, ex-Sanyo¯ Securities, for his insights into the industry; ¯ Okawara Mami, of Sophia; Komori Keiko, author of Direct Marketing in Japan; Professor Robert Ballon, of Sophia; The Kichi-Do Kai; David Hughes and Stephen Walsh for a lot of input and feedback; and Simon Oliver and Hamish Ross for their resourcefulness. Special thanks to David Russell both for his Japan expertise and for agreeing to edit and write the Foreword to this book. I’m also grateful to those unsung contributors who gave their time and information but couldn’t – because of fear for their jobs and well-being – be identified. In addition, thanks to the many people who have simply given me their views and other information over the years.