AbstractThe Japanese are a self-contained race, accepting little immigration or emigration. Japan has selectively accepted and then adapted such imports as Buddhism, democracy and parliament. The idea of a ‘family’ in the domestic sense and within a company is very important. This led to an unusual loyalty in the workplace, which now seems to be declining while the home is increasingly important. Japan is now facing a crisis largely caused by the need to control her economic success internationally, by the many social and related malaises of most advanced countries, and by adapting to information technology.