Japan's Quiet Transformation: Social Change and Civil Society in 21st Century Japan (Asia's Transformations) [Hardcover]

Jeff Kingston (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415274826 | ISBN-13: 978-0415274821 | Publication Date: October 28, 2004

The 1990s have been termed as 'Japan's lost decade' to describe how the phenomenal growth in the Japanese economy ground to a halt and the country was crippled by enormous and ongoing political, economic and social problems. In responding to these unprecedented difficulties, wide-ranging reforms have been adopted including NPO, information disclosure and judicial reform legislation. Controversially, this book argues that such reforms are creating a more robust civil society and demonstrate that Japan is far more dynamic than is generally recognized.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Kingston has provided a well researched and also readable synthesis of developments in Japan since the collapse of the bubble economy in 1989....The fact that Kingston happens to be a rare example of an academician who can combine sound analysis with entertaining prose makes it possible to recommend this book to just about anyone interested in contemporary Japan.' - International Herald Tribune

About the Author

Jeff Kingston is Professor of History and Director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan, and has written over 200 book reviews for Japan Times.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (October 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415274826
• ISBN-13: 978-0415274821
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,671,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing, March 6, 2005

By 

marc sorrells "mercsor" (Hermitage, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japan's Quiet Transformation: Social Change and Civil Society in 21st Century Japan (Asia's Transformations) (Paperback)

After all the books out about Japans economic collapse its nice to see not all is lost. Kingston shows how many of the changes happening in Japan will make it a better society.
The book dosen't get 5 stars because there are a few boring chapters that are way to long for the subject matter.
Highly suggest this book for anyone interest in modern Japan

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, well organized, May 18, 2006

By 

invisible hand (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japan's Quiet Transformation: Social Change and Civil Society in 21st Century Japan (Asia's Transformations) (Paperback)

Great book describing all facets of Japan following its fall from grace after its booming 1980s. I did not find all of the sections of the book equally captivating (due to personal biases...or maybe I'm being too lenient) and glossed over a few, but I was able to do that since the book was organized so nicely. Each chapter is a good length at about 30 pages x 10 chapters for a total of just over 300 pages. There are relevant pictures included in black and white, and that substantially helped the book avoid lapsing into dry, academic writing that I have found in some other books on this subject. I fancy economics and business, and the book covered those to my satisfaction.

I've long been interested in Japanese pop culture (anime, karaoke, video games), and I had a romanticized image of all things Japan upon starting this book. The book put a significant damper on that image, but I feel like I have a much more balanced view of Japan now. The book seemed to cover everything and in a fairly succinct manner--some parts felt a little repetitive but they were easily skimmed. It was a good balance between brevity and thoroughness, and that's something I can always appreciate. I think I could actually have a conversation about Japanese present and future now, it's a good feeling.

The book definitely takes up a rather pessimistic view of modern Japan, although the author closes on a hopeful note (perhaps obligatory, come to think of it). Westerners I think might also have a flowery picture of Japan like I did--samurai, loyalty to corporations, honor and things like that. But the author addresses all of those things realistically. If you think about any issue facing Japan right now, the book is likely to touch on it: demographics, immigration, women, youth, corruption and more. Very well rounded. Recommended if you're curious about what is going on with Japan and what might be in store for its future. A little depressing, but information is the key to progress.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Less transformation than revolution, April 24, 2006

By 

Velisarios Kattoulas (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japan's Quiet Transformation: Social Change and Civil Society in 21st Century Japan (Asia's Transformations) (Paperback)

Japan's Quiet Transformation is one of the most important books published about Japan in recent years. It is unsparing in its critique of Japan's many ills. But it goes well beyond the standard doom-laden portrayal to paint a picture of a country in the midst of a sweeping transformation. At a glance, it seems like an unlikely yarn. The subject is Japan, after all. But Quiet Transformation is a compelling and entertaining read that stands to become a classic on Japan's largely ignored battle to turn itself around in the early 21st century -- albeit with no guarantees of success.