Purchased on 2007/8/14. This is a used item, so there may be some scratches and signs of use. Unless otherwise stated, obi (sash) and special extras are not included. There are no other accessories besides what is shown in the photos. "The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement" By Akira Sanbongi / Eliyahu M. Goldratt Price: ¥1600 #AkiraSanbongi #Akira_Sanbongi #GoldrattEliyahuM #Books #Society/Management This novel focuses on the process of business improvement in a factory, centered around Alex Rogo, the plant manager of a machinery manufacturer. Usually, business books that become bestsellers in the United States are quickly translated into Japanese, but this book, despite selling 2.5 million copies worldwide, was not allowed to be published in Japan for 17 years. It was, so to speak, a "phantom masterpiece." With prolonged business deterioration, only three months left before the factory closes, and the threat of divorce from his wife, whom he had neglected due to his busy days... Alex was completely disheartened by the critical situation. Before him appears Jonah, a mentor believed to be the author, who gives him advice. The story conveys the struggles and excitement of the characters as they strive to improve their business to save the factory, making you feel the true thrill of business. Although this book is a novel, its content is frighteningly practical, revealing the correct way to view accounting information, the pitfalls, and the problems hidden behind "efficiency." The complex know-how of business improvement is incorporated in an easy-to-understand way within an engaging story, making it a must-read for business people and managers. Furthermore, this book provides important insights for management, such as the importance of sharing goals and sticking to one's beliefs when solving problems, the importance of seeing through the reality hidden behind numbers, and the significance of information sharing. Regarding the reason why this book was not published in Japan for a long time, a comment by the author, Eliyahu Goldratt, is quoted in the "Explanation." According to him, "The Japanese are world-class when it comes to partial optimization improvements. If we taught the Japanese the methods of overall optimization as written in 'The Goal,' trade friction would reignite, and the world economy would fall into chaos," which seems to be the reason for the continued rejection of publication. Whether it's serious or a joke, in any case, it's very gratifying that we can read a masterpiece that the United States was reluctant to release, even in Japanese.