This book-the first comprehensive work on the sogo shosha-describes and analyzes the basic characteristics, business methods, sales and profit trends, strategies, national roles, global reach, strengths and weaknesses, and future prospects of the global trading conglomerates.

Alexander K. Young is professor of international relations at the College of New Paltz, State University of New York, A graduate of the College of Law of the National Taiwan University, he received a Ph.D. from Columbia University, where he is currently an associate of the University Seminar on Modern Japan.