Kata can be translated as model, pattern, style or a formula. In simple terms it means a fixed pattern, either solution towards handling a problem, applying any strategy. Kata has been exercised in every facet of Japanese activities, including political, social and military.
Japanese are proud of their adoption of Kata factor, however Boye revealed that Japanese were themselves strange to Kata Factor, and never realized before their adherence to Kata Factor, he wrote, '99% of the (Japanese)audience had never realized the "Kata factor" had played such a role in Japan'.
The generalized forms of Kata (related to military aspect) includes,
Kata Yaburi, It has all the elements of patience and detailed planning. It begins by developing new missions, training, perfecting it and presenting it for public acceptance. In the past, the Japanese maritime forces have been engaged in several Katas.
Other forms of Kata includes, a) Kata of mine sweeping (Gulf War 1991).
A b) Kata of UN Peace Keeping (Cambodia and...
4 d) Kata of overseas deployment (In 1958, four vessels including flagship Harukaze were dispatched to Midway Island and Hawaii). 5 e) Kata of SLOC protection (1983 decision of maritime defense out to 1000 nautical miles).
Some other types of Katas include Kata of anti-piracy, Kata of forward deployment.
References
Jack Scarborough. The Origins of Cultural Differences and Their Impact on Management. Quorum Books.
Yoshio Sugimoto. An Introduction to Japanese Society, Cambridge University Press.
Kenneth G. Henshall. A History of Japan: from Stone Age to Superpower, Palgrave Macmillan 2004.
Boye De Mente. The Kata Factor.
Meiji Era, information gathered at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_era
Kata Factor, Boye De Mente interview, referenced at http://www.mrjohntours.com/download/BoyeDeMente.pdf
