This book uses a wide range of original Japanese sources to trace important aspects of the history of Japanese economic ideas in particular the development of Japan s industrial policy. In contrast to most others who begin their story within the 1930s or after 1945 Sohn goes back to the Meiji era to trace the evolution of Japanese developmental debates state policies and market strategies involving cartels and small enterprises city and countryside and approaches that variously emphasize the market and the role of the state as Japan seeks to position itself in the world and regional economies.