I just spent a few days watching a drama version of the Barren Zone, originally written by Toyoko Yamazaki. 不毛地帯 is a classic from the 70s, which has been made into several movies and drama series. It is a story based on the post war business exploits/ conspiracies of an ex-general staff officer of the Imperial Japanese Army, Ryuzo Sejima http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%ABz%C5%8D_Sejima
I enjoyed it immensly and would highly recommend it. The latest drama version is in 19 installments here http://videonavi.blog66.fc2.com/blog-entry-2118.html . Of the several links offered, the "Daily" links are with English subs. I haven't read this particular novel, but the author's books are all page turners with deep insight into Japanese society, so the English translation of the book should also be very readable, if you prefer to have it in writing. The man was involved in the selection of the F104 Star Fighter by Japan's post war SDF, but for the novel, the names the firms and characters have been changed to avoid libel issues, so you'll have fun figuring out the thinly veiled IDs of the true players. Likewise the botched tie-up between Ford and Isuzu, which later led to the successful tieup between Isuzu and GM, etc, etc.
I enjoyed it immensly and would highly recommend it. The latest drama version is in 19 installments here http://videonavi.blog66.fc2.com/blog-entry-2118.html . Of the several links offered, the "Daily" links are with English subs. I haven't read this particular novel, but the author's books are all page turners with deep insight into Japanese society, so the English translation of the book should also be very readable, if you prefer to have it in writing. The man was involved in the selection of the F104 Star Fighter by Japan's post war SDF, but for the novel, the names the firms and characters have been changed to avoid libel issues, so you'll have fun figuring out the thinly veiled IDs of the true players. Likewise the botched tie-up between Ford and Isuzu, which later led to the successful tieup between Isuzu and GM, etc, etc.
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