'... A thoughtful overview of the evolution of the Japanese economy ... she writes in a way which will be both helpful and interesting for students.' International Affairs 'I was pleasantly surprised with Sheridan's book. ... She has been able to weave a consistent, complex tale about Japanese development with the state at the centre'. The Journal of Asian Studies 'Governing the Japanese Economy, offers a provocative and timely assessment of the role of government in Japan over the past few hundred years and provides a blueprint for future policy. ... Sheridan provides excellent tables and accessible and detailed footnotes...' Japanese Studies Bulletin 'Wide-ranging examination of Japanese economic development. Offering an 'alternative' historical overview, she presents Japanese economic performance as the culmination of 120 years of conscious government proprietorship.... There is a wide public consciousness of corruption, abuse of market power, and growing income inequalities. This book gives us the tools with which to forecast how Japanese government agencies are likely to respond to the social crisis.' B J McFarlane, University of Newcastle