Understanding Japanese Society

This book explores the challenges faced by modern Japan. A stagnant economy combined with dependence on the People's Republic of China in terms of trade, are huge issues that must be dealt with. Author Joy Hendry combines the past and the present history of Japan to create a must read for greater understanding of current events which end up affecting all people.

I was looking for Hendry's other book "Wrapping Culture", when I came across this one, and the title immediately aroused my interest. The book contains 12 chapters, ranging across all aspects of social life and identity in Japan. The author herself neatly summarizes this book in the conclusion: "... we have skimmed across an enormous range of topics pertaining to a very complex and complicated society." Each chapter stands on its own, though the author does references to previous chapters. The chapters average 20 pages, with extensive bibliography and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter (usually about 2-3 pages long). The author's competence and breadth of knowledge are impressive, and I would have been hard-pressed to find a more suitable guide to introduce me to life in Japan. The bibliography leaves nothing to be desired, and very much fits the metaphor of a branching tree, inviting the reader to explore any branch which he or she finds attractive. The author also convincingly states her case about some ingrained principles of Japanese society which can be glimpsed in all walks of life in Japan. The new edition is thoroughly revised, with references to works and studies as recent as 2002, and seems very up to date. I've decided to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because the writing is a bit dry, which is to be expected since it is mostly academic in nature (though the author does talk about her own experience and field-work, when relevant). This fact together with the book's font and word- and line-spacing, conspired against ease of read. To sum-up, I would recommend this book as a starting point for any particular subject you find interesting or intriguing about Japanese life, and as a quick yet thorough review of life in Japan.

I actually live in Japan, so some of the info seemed a little off and dated. But to get the general picture this book is probably the best out there. Would love to see this book get re-done by a foreigner that actually lives in Japan....I hate to write so it won't be me.