Now in paperback, this book considers the role of small firms in the Japanese economy and challenges established views of the Japanese economy, society and political economy. In contrast to Japan's giant corporations, relatively little is known about its small firms. This is so despite their vital contribution to the economy. This book looks at small firms in Japan's leading machine industries, their relations with each other as well as with large firms, and their internal management, employment and technology dynamics. It provides a unique and statistically rich survey.