From Library Journal
This scholarly but highly interesting book explodes the popular myth that Japan is a monoethnic society. Even the Japanese themselves (Yamato) often have heard little or nothing of the Ainu, Okinawans, Burakumin, Koreans, and Chinese among them. And within these groups, the Burakumin form more of an underclass, or a lower caste, than an ethnic or cultural group, as the others do. In any case, this cultural diversity is more a matter of degree than of ignorance or misunderstanding as these groups form such a small minority of the population that ignorance and misunderstanding of them is not surprising. Lie carefully explains the reasons behind these misunderstandings while exploring the concept Japanese have of themselves. Lie's background as a Korean who lived in Japan gives poignancy to his findings; his position as professor of sociology at the University of Illinois makes his analytical work very thorough and engrossing. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.DKitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Multiethnic Japan represents a major scholarly work, one that is far more penetrating as well as more comprehensive than any other addressing the issue of 'Japaneseness' and the monoethnic ideology of Japan.
--Hiroshi Ishida, University of Tokyo (20020510)
In recent years, the terms 'multicultural' and 'multiethnic' have acquired a dominant space in Japanese studies. Providing a brilliant critique of the sometimes unthoughtful use of these concepts,
Multiethnic Japan makes a valuable contribution to Japanese studies in particular and sociology in general.
--Sonia Ryang, Johns Hopkins University
This...highly interesting book explodes the popular myth that Japan is a monoethnic society...Lie carefully explains the reasons behind these misunderstandings while exploring the concept Japanese have of themselves. Lie's background as a Korean who lived in Japan gives poignancy to his findings; his position as professor of sociology...makes his analytical work very thorough and engrossing. Highly recommended. (
Library Journal )
What has fascinated scholars of modern Japanese history is how this highly stratified society was moulded into such a uniform one in a relatively short time. While all nation-states have this aim, few have achieved their ends so well as the Japanese. It is this modern construction of sameness that John Lie wants to challenge in his book--and challenge it he does. In a passionately argued text, Lie examines the many sources of difference in Japanese society: from pre-Meiji outcasts and Korean artisans (as well as aristocracy) to postwar Chinese immigrants and the hafu (children of mixed descent): Japan is a society as diverse as any other.
--Dolores Martinez (
Times Higher Education Supplement )
John Lie presents a lively examination of modem Japanese attitudes on ethnicity in
Multi-Ethnic Japan. He has an insider's view, having been in Japan and lived the experience. He has researched the facts, and made case studies. In addition, his book is very readable, and quotable...Lie's critical view provokes thought, and generates eventual change.
--Bill Drucker (
Korean Quarterly )
