Understanding Japanese Society (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies) [Paperback]

Joy Hendry (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415263832 | ISBN-13: 978-0415263832 | Publication Date: July 5, 2003 | Edition: 3

This is a welcome new edition of this bestselling textbook. It provides a clear, accessible and readable introduction to Japanese society which does not require any previous knowledge of the country. Fully updated, revised and expanded, the 3rd edition contains new material on:
· the effects of the Asian crisis and recession in Japan
· the emergence of the millennial cults such as the Aum Shinrikyo
· major advances in sport and leisure such as the 2002 World Cup and the amazing global cultural success of Pokemon and Japanese animation and computer games
· the tumultuous changes of the Japanese ruling elite
· the Ainu and other Japanese minorities
· debates about the future of the Japanese constitution and the resurgence of nationalism and militarism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A comprehensive and coherent approach to understanding Japanese society ... It is a well-crafted introductory book on Japanese society with a strong emphasis on understanding through intimate observation ... this book should be prominent on many reading lists in its own right.' - Sociology

`As our contact with Japan increases, books like this one and the course that inspired it, serve a valuable role in opening up the barriers to understanding.' - - Times Higher Education Supplement

"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.

...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." -- learnasecondlanguageguide.com

About the Author

Joy Hendry is Professor Emerita at Oxford Brookes University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 3 edition (July 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415263832
• ISBN-13: 978-0415263832
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #433,494 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good read but..., January 27, 2009

By 

Jerry A. Carroll "JC in Japan" (Gonohe, Aomori, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Japanese Society (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies) (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Japanese Society, September 11, 2009

By 

Connie D (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Japanese Society (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies) (Paperback)

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.