The Japanese computer industry is organized on different lines to that in the USA or Western Europe. A higher degree of cooperation and coordination characterizes much of Japanese industry, as it does Japanese society. Nevertheless, there is a fairly close similarity between Japanese and US companies, particularly since the Japanese have begun to decentralize their R&D operations. Many Japanese companies also manufacture American products under licence. The fifth generation computer project, which is an example of Japanese cooperation and willingness to pursue long-term goals is discussed.