In Search of the Wellsprings of the Japanese Management: Kamada Issou (1721-1804)

Abstract

This is the third paper of a series of our studies in search of the wellspring of the Japanese management. We examine a traditional Japanese business philosophy focusing on Kamada Issou (1712-1804), and explore its moral implications for modern Japanese management. Ishida Baigan (1685-1744) set up Shingaku, a kind of Japanese business philosophy or practical business ethics, which was, after his death, ideologically separated into two schools; the one by Teshima Toan, the main stream, while the other by Saito Zenmon. Kamada Issou was a direct disciple of Saito Zenmon. Though Kamada Issou published ten books about practical business ethics, he is virtually unknown. Therefore, it is very hard to have access to researches on Kamada Issou. In particular, we may say it is almost impossible to find research documents on his management philosophy besides the one by Yasukazu Takenaka. This paper examines his business philosophy revealed in his main works; "Baiboku Sensei Konuka Dawara", "Baiboku Sensei Konuka Dawara Kouhen", "Ame no Harema", "Ma no Atari", "Aribekakari", and explores the implications of his philosophy for modern Japanese management.

Note: Downloadable document is in Japanese.

Keywords: Japanese management, Business Philosophy, Business Ethics, Management philosophy, Entrepreneurship

JEL Classification: B1, B12, B3, B31, N01, L20, M10, M13, M14, N80