by Arden Davidson

Created on: October 04, 2009

"The Brothers: The Hidden World of Japan's Richest Family" by Lesley Downer outlines the rise to power of the richest and most powerful family in Japan; The Tsutsumis. Throughout this interesting and insightful book, Downer recounts how Japanese half-brothers Yoshiaki and Seiji Tsutsumi built two immense corporate empires known as the Seibu Group and the Saison Group, capitalizing on Japan's rapidly burgeoning economy after World War II.

In addition to telling the true stories of how these two brothers became business legends, Downer's book takes an in depth look at the unique management styles and marketing practices that propelled the Tsutsumi family into a position of enviable wealth and status both before and after WWII. The author furthermore examines the brothers' success from an angle of exploitation, asserting that the Tsutsumis took unfair advantage of the changing trends in Japanese economics and used the situation to line their own pockets rather than to further the economy.

Yoshiaki, who inherited the majority of his empire from his father, is considered to be not only the richest man in Japan, but one of the richest men in the entire world. Combined, Yoshiaki and Seiji own one-sixth of Japan's land, along with all of the major retail stores, railways, sports teams, hotels and golf courses.

A great deal of what catapulted the Tsutsumi family's rise to power is based on the history and evolution of Japan's economy. After Japan was defeated in World War II, the economy was essentially devastated. The population was bigger than ever but the food supply was scarce. Social welfare programs and financial aid from the United States helped in Japan's economic recovery and by the time the 1950s rolled around the nation was beginning to get back on its feet.

The Korean War created a huge need for military hardware and by the beginning of the 1970s, Japan had become a market leader in these products. It was this trend which prompted the Tsutsumi brothers to take advantage of a situation primed for personal profit.

While some countries have always been reluctant to change their systems, Downer's book demonstrates how Japan has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and to restructure itself when faced with adversity. The fact that Japan's economic model has been emulated in a number of Asian countries further suggests that it has a validity and appeal that should not be overlooked or disparaged.

While the Tsutsumi family may have exploited Japan's economic evolution for their own benefit, it was their right to do so, just as it was every other Japanese citizen's right. Anyone could have taken advantage of the situation if they possessed the foresight, creativity and initiative that the Tsutsumi brothers had. That is the nature of business; to make the greatest profits possible, and no one should be chastised just because they achieved that goal in abundance.

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