Negotiating the Gray Maze: The Business of Medicine in Japan

Rating:
Summary: Recommended
Review: While not a 'how-to' guide to the Japanese market, the book is obviously based on the extensive personal experience of the authors and is full of valuable practical lessons for the foreign businessperson in Japan. The book follows the career of John the manager in his role as country manager for a U.S. medical device manufacturer (of penal implants, of all things). John manages to make almost every possible mistake as he attempts to penetrate the Japanese market with his products. John's gaffs and lessons are then conveniently analyzed at the end of each chapter. The easy and humorous style is well used to highlight the peculiarities of Japanese business practice and the common cultural pitfalls that any foreign businessperson in Japan is likely to encounter. The book should prove useful to anybody with an interest in doing business in Japan, and is a must read for any businessperson considering entering the Byzantine world of Japanese medicine. But beyond that, the book was just plain fun to read.