The Arlington Businessman's Guide to Japan

Until last week I had no idea of my Grandfather's affinity with Japan. I had heard about 'his book on Japan', but always thought of this in the 'belonging to' rather than 'written by' sense. Over six years he had spent twelve months on business trips to Japan and eventually left industry to become a full-time writer and consultant in business with Japan. He often talked of his attempt to grow the worlds largest Bonsai tree.

Published in 1979, The Arlington Businessman's Guide to Japan by Ian McNeil aimed 'to explain the complex structure and hierarchical nature of Japanese commerce and society' and 'provide answers to the many questions which frequently arise about this unique market'. 

It seems economic and cultural shifts of the last 30 years have rendered much of the business side of this book redundant. But the sections on language and history retain their relevance - and have a patriarchal resonance with me. On language:

'Could you learn all the words in a Japanese dictionary you would not make yourself understood in speaking unless you learned to think like a Japanese person – that is to say, to think backwards, to think upside-down and inside out!'