Drawing on numerous Japanese and non-Japanese primary and secondary sources, this highly informative book analyzes all aspects (both domestic and international) of foreign direct investment made by Japan's multinational corporations in Asia, the European Union, and the U.S. It covers the critical period from 1970 -- the point at which Japan's economy reached a level of global importance -- through 1998 -- the nadir of Japan's economic woes. The book offers numerous perspectives to explain the changing characteristics of Japan's FDI practices over the period. The text is well supported by some 50 figures and data tables compiled from both Japanese government ministries and multinational corporations.