WHEN Yataro Iwasaki started to build the Mitsubishi business empire, beginning in the 1870s with a steamship company, Japan was rapidly transforming itself into one of the world's economic powers. Alas, Japanese businessmen no longer adapt so quickly, often doggedly resisting change of any sort. If Iwasaki were alive today to witness the ¥450 billion ($4 billion) rescue by the Mitsubishi keiretsu (family of companies) of the ailing Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, announced on May 21st, what would he think? Would he appreciate the ties of loyalty that still exist within the group of firms? Or would the keiretsu's tolerance of failure merely fill him with shame?