is a 1989 essay originally co-authored by Shintaro Ishihara, the then Minister of Transport and leading LDP figure who would become governor of Tokyo (1999-2012); and Sony co-founder and chairman Akio Morita, in the climate of Japan's economic rise. It was famous for its critical examination of United States business practices and its treatment of Japanese companies, known as "Japan bashing", and for advocating Japan's taking a more independent stance on many issues, from business to foreign affairs. The title refers to the authors' vision—Ishihara's in particular—of a Japanese government that is more than a mere "yes man" and a client state to the United States. Many unauthorized translations were made and circulated in the United States. The authorized 1991 Simon & Schuster English translation by Frank Baldwin (out of print) did not include the essays by Morita. The book caused widespread controversy in the United States, and Morita distanced himself from the book. The book also inspired the similarly themed China Can Say No, a collection of essays published in 1996. Points asserted The work alternates between essays written by Ishihara and Morita. The essays were based on various speeches given in the past. In general, Ishihara's essays argue that Japan is a world power to be respected, and that Japanese need to assert themselves more when dealing with the U.S. Morita's essays focus more on the tragic flaws of U.S. companies that will eventually lead to America's decline, and what Japan can do to improve its image and position. Here is a sampling of points they make: Ishihara's assertions Japanese superiority The world has come to depend on Japanese technology, especially in semiconductor production. Japan must use its technological superiority as a negotiating weapon. It should even threaten to trade secrets with the Soviet Union as a bargaining tool against the US and refuse to sell components that go into US missiles. The quality of American goods is low because the level of the workers is low, while the superior education of Japanese workers is a big advantage. The Japanese character is innately superior to the character of Americans. Japanese assertiveness Japanese diplomats are not effective in dealing with westerners, so businessmen accustomed to dealing with foreigners should also take part in trade negotiations. Japan should end the U.S.-Japan security pact and defend itself, because this would cost less and end reliance on the U.S. Criticisms of America