This book really is a lot more than you bargain for.
The title "...from Samurai to Sony..." gave me the impression of a very basic history book on the most popular facets of Japan. This book doesnt talk about how cool samurai's are, or where to get discount sony products, how to make a bonsai tree, sushi or draw manga. It is actually a politic, social and economic review of Japan and its relations with the world, starting from its, possible, origin of 6000 years ago (although likely to be more recent as discussed in the book).

The book deals with:
-Why Japanese people consider them selves different from the rest of the worlds human population.
-How the country was run up to ~1900CE, at which time international influence (which had been strongly repelled) dramatically changed the whole country.
-Why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
-How they forged a super power in under 30years (from war torn country).
-Why they have such poor international relations.
-Why their economy crashed in the '90s (When everywhere else was doing so well).
-Current issues with their society, as well as probably future ramifications (aging population and youth rebellion).

The book also highlights peace and success of the japanese way of life, however overall it is targeted at westerners who wish to know answers to the questions above (not that the reader knew of these questions, or there global importance, before reading this book).

I would say this book is essential before visiting Japan for any extended period of time.
It has given me a VERY different perspective of the japanese people and their culture.
It's important to try and subjectively compare what is in this book with your own society to not get the wrong idea, that japanese are racist, fascists only looking out for them selves. But that is the case with any countries history.


A follow up book by Curtis Andressen would be very interesting, as he leaves us up to 2002 (date published), with many proposed outcomes for the re-emerging Japan, circa 2010.