Introduction to Japanese Society

An Introduction to Japanese Society provides a highly readable introduction to Japanese society by internationally renowned scholar Yoshio Sugimoto. Taking a sociological approach, the text examines the multifaceted nature of contemporary Japanese society with chapters covering class, geographical and generational variation, work, education, gender, ethnicity, religion, popular culture, and the establishment. This edition begins with a new historical introduction placing the sociological analysis of contemporary Japan in context, and includes a new chapter on religion and belief systems. Comprehensively revised to include current research and statistics, the text covers changes to the labor market, evolving conceptions of family and gender, demographic shifts in an aging society, and the emergence of new social movements. Each chapter now contains illustrative case examples, research questions, recommended further readings and useful online resources. Written in a lively and engaging style, An Introduction to Japanese Society remains essential reading for all students of Japanese society.

."..this important introductory volume successfully portrays the variety, disparity, and complexity of Japanes society and culture. In addition, it provides useful sections on the ways different groups in Japan are controlled through coercive and ideological means. Well written and orderly in its presentation, this introductory text is absed on a wide-ranging reading of research and scholarship on contemporary Japan.... In sum, I highly recommend this introductory textbook on Japan for the complex picture it depicts, for its secure foundation in contemporary scholarship, and for its clear and accessible style." Eyal Ben-Ari, Jrnl of Japanese Studies, "Sugimoto's book would be a fine supplementary text for any undergrdaute or graduate course on Japan." William Nester, Asian Thought and Society

Yoshio Sugimoto is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Social Inquiry at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.