Japanese management at a crossroads? The changing role of China in the transformation of corporate Japan

This introduction to the special issue, ‘Cross-cultural management practices in East Asia: lessons for Japanese MNEs’, argues that better understanding is needed of how the economic rise of China is influencing the transformation of corporate Japan. After examining key trends in the evolution of Sino-Japanese business relations, we consider potential triggers of corporate transformation under the headings of marketing and distribution, inter-corporate networks and human resources management. Each of these areas is discussed in the context of increasing engagement of Japanese firms with the Chinese economy and the ability of Japanese firms to transfer sources of competitive advantage to this emerging market.