Japan S Construction

The 1970s and 1980s have been marked by turbulent times for certain portions of America's industrial base, as their dominance of many do mestic and foreign markets has eroded. During such times of stress it is tempting to create scapegoats in order to rationalize shortcomings. Much is heard about the Japanese in this regard. How they have contributed to the deterioration of specific segments of American indus try, how jobs in the U. S. are being lost to foreign competition, and how the resulting trade deficit will be the downfall of us all. Much of this rhetoric has been directed against the Japanese automobile manu facturers and the Japanese electronic industry, which has been accused of "dumping" product into the United States. It was not until Japan unveiled its plan to build the multi-billion dollar Kansai Airport project that Japanese restrictive bidding practices in their domestic construction market became headline news. Construc tion then became a popular subject for "Japan Bashing" and attention was focused on the activities of Japanese contractors around the world, and, more particularly, on their involvement in the U. S. construction market. Well, the Japanese construction companies are in the United States and have been for some time. They have been awarded many contracts for federal and municipal construction projects and they have negotiated a significant number of construction contracts in the private sector.

Offering an examination of the Japanese construction industry, this book explains how Japanese companies market and manage themselves, and how they have successfully extended their international markets. It shows how other nations can directly apply Japanese strategies to their own industries.

Essential reading for the design and construction industry to understand the Japanese construction business. Table of Contents: This Shrinking World; Kajima Corporation--A Chemistry and One Half of Integrity; Takanaka Corporation--A Japanese Dynasty; Obayashi Corporation--Renaissance for the 21st Century; Kumagai Gumi Co., Ltd.--Creating the Buildings and Infrastructure Sociey Requires; Taisei Corporation--Building "For a Lively World; " Shimizu Corporation--Striving for Excellence; Big Six Research and Development; What Does it all Mean? Index. 70 illustrations.

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry tells the story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara and the dedicated modern-day craftsmen who are working to restore what has been lost to the depredations of time, fire and warfare. Although the full monastery reconstruction will not be completed until 2030, one of the main temples, the Picture Hall, has been completely restored employing the same woodworking technology used to create the original building. This new edition of an architectural classic is by Azby Brown—one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture. It contains a new preface and many new text materials and photographs—most of them now available in color for the first time. Azby Brown chronicles the painstaking restoration of the temple through extensive interviews with the carpenters and woodworkers along with original drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu Nishioka. An inspiring testament to the dedication of these craftsmen and their philosophy of carpentry work as a form of personal fulfillment, The Genius of Japanese Carpentry offers detailed documentation of this singular project and a moving reminder of the unique cultural continuity found in Japan.