An Introduction to Japanese Society, Second Edition [Paperback]

Yoshio Sugimoto (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521529255 | ISBN-13: 978-0521529259 | Publication Date: December 23, 2002 | Edition: 2nd

This revised edition has been updated to cover developments in the five years since the first edition was published. Yoshio Sugimoto challenges the traditional notion that Japan is an homogeneous society with few cultural and social disparities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Accolades to Yoshio Sugimoto for his latest contribution to contemporary literature on Japan...which is wide-ranging, thought-provoking and comprehensive. Although it is written as a students' text, it will be valuable to both students and teachers." Asian Studies Review

Book Description

Yoshio Sugimoto has updated and revised An Introduction to Japanese Society to take developments of the last five years into account. Throughout the author challenges the traditional notion that Japan is an homogeneous society with few cultural and social disparities. Review of the first edition: 'Accolades to Yoshio Sugimoto for his latest contribution to contemporary literature on Japan...which is wide-ranging, thought-provoking and comprehensive. Although it is written as a students' text, it will be valuable to both students and teachers.' Asian Studies Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2nd edition (December 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521529255
• ISBN-13: 978-0521529259
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good look at real Japanese society, April 8, 2005

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Japanese Society, Second Edition (Paperback)

While no book is able to entirely encapsulate a culture, Yoshio Sugimoto's "An Introduction to Japanese Society" manages to showcase the ethnic and economical diversity alongside pop culture and "Friendly Authoritarianism," something that one can see every day in Japan. Scholarly in tone, this is a competent book for serious students of Japan, who want more than can be offered by "culture" books and such.

An impressively wide examination, each of the ten chapters examines a particular face of Japan. Economic class and stratification, varieties in work and labor, diversity and unity in education, minority groups and gender stratification, almost every possible angle is seen. Popular and folk culture are examined in detail, with the "Four Japanese Phenomena" described as manga, pachinko, karaoke and the sex industry. As someone who has spent considerable time in Japan, I can assure that these four areas have more impact on modern Japan than the tea ceremony and the Japanese garden!

Although it is packed with information, "An Introduction to Japanese Society" is also small enough as to not be intimidating. It is only an introduction, but it should be a gateway to those seeking insight into a fascinating culture.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for Japanese Studies, July 18, 2003

By 

mary_wells (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Japanese Society, Second Edition (Paperback)

This book should be required reading for any introductory course for Japanese Studies. Sugimoto presents a very unbiased view of Japanese society, and covers many different aspects, such as gender, hierarchy (the vertical society), and education that play daily roles in the maintaining of the structure and implement of Japanese ways. Excellent reading for anyone with an interest in Japan, necessary reading for any student of Japanese Studies.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, November 23, 2010

By 

Hayro - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Japanese Society, Second Edition (Paperback)

This book is a great read. Very informative talks about the many aspects of Japanese society that are normally not studied or just ignored. If you really want an unbiased look on Japanese society as a whole, then this is the book you want to read.