Giants of Japan brings to life fifteen centuries of Japanese history through lively biographical sketches of the great men and women who have shaped this fascinating and complex country. Covering industry, the arts, religion, and politics, the book includes business titans such as Morita Akio, founder of Sony, and Toyoda Eiji, the man behind Toyota's incredible success; creative giants such as writer Mishima Yukio and film director Kurosawa Akira; and historical icons such as Shotoku, the prince who helped bring Buddhism to Japan, and Izumo no Okuni, the actress and dancer who created kabuki theater.

The economies and futures of the West and Japan are now more interdependent than ever, yet Japan remains very much a mystery to many Westerners. The more than forty profiles in this entertaining and enlightening book are essential knowledge about a nation that is a key player on the world stage.

Praise for "Giants of Japan"

"A superb new book." - Los Angeles Times

"A successful attempt to personalize history." - The Washington Post

"Vivid... An excellent introduction to Japanese history." - Foreign Affairs

"Enjoyable, informative and well-written." - Arthur Golden, author of "Memoirs of a Geisha"