Corporate Governance in Japan: Historical Roots from the Yamato to the Tokugawa Eras

The roots of corporate governance are rarely looked for in the ancient history of countries. Literature pays not enough attention to the impact of the country’s history on the relations between economic actors and owners, known today as corporate governance. Many countries are guided by centuries-old traditions and customs, which is especially true of Japan. Japan is of particular interest because history of its corporate governance is not widely known and because it has developed a unique corporate governance model. This book aims to diagnose and trace the causes and symptoms of this uniqueness, emphasizing that it is a lasting legacy of previous eras. It examines key political, social, cultural, and economic events in Japan from its dawn till the 17th century in a comprehensive way and in the cause-and-effect aspect, combining the history, economic history, and the history of corporate governance. It refers to little-known issues considered in the context of a very interesting and successful country and economy, which may arouse the desire to expand knowledge and learn about the roots of these successes. The innovative nature of the research goal and the simplicity of presentation are the advantages of this book.

Magdalena Jerzemowska has had her entire professional life associated with the University of Gdańsk, of which she is a graduate, and where she has completed all levels of her academic career. She obtained the title of full professor (2004) and is the head of the Department of Corporate Finance. She gives lectures on corporate governance, corporate finance, and financial statement analysis in Polish and English languages at her alma mater, as well as at many foreign universities. She managed international programs such as Know-How Fund, Tempus and Erasmus. Her research interests include corporate governance, analysis of financial and non-financial statements, and capital structure. She is the author, co-author or editor of several books, as well as of several dozen scientific articles published in Polish and foreign journals and conference materials for which she received many awards, both nationally and at the University of Gdańsk. She participated in scientific internships in China, Japan, Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Ukraine. She cooperates as an expert with many nationwide scientific, professional and governmental organizations.