'It is hard to imagine a more enticing topic: why some Japanese firms succeeded in the 1990s despite an economy that failed. The answers are both common sense - operational effectiveness and CEO leadership - and Japan specific - break with traditions. The lessons about leadership, in particular, have wider relevance for leaders, managers, consultants and academics.' - Andrew Campbell, Ashridge Strategic Management Centre, UK Transformational CEOs questions why some Japanese firms succeeded in the 1990s despite an economy that failed - regardless of the burst of the 'bubble' economy, a number of Japanese companies have maintained or extended their international leadership in particular sectors. The authors argue that whilst some of the reasons for successes are plain common sense - operational effectiveness and superior CEO leadership - some are Japan-specific and point to a break with traditional leadership rationale.