In this important, thought-provoking, and wide-ranging study

Yasuhiro Nakasone, one of the most highly regarded former prime ministers of Japan, considers what should be Japan's strategic direction in the twenty-first century.

Japan is often accused of lacking a vision, being slow to respond to changing circumstances, and then only responding reluctantly, with piecemeal changes. Nakasone, broadly agreeing with this view, considers why things should be so, and goes on to put forward a vision for Japan for the twenty-first century.

He emphasises in particular the need for radical change in economic policy, education, defence and science and technology policy, and argues for amendments to the constitution.