Books in the Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies series

This book investigates the connections between socio-structural aspects, individual agency and happiness in contemporary Japan from a life course perspective. The contributors examine empirical data on the processes which impact how happiness and well-being are envisioned, crafted and debated in Japan across the life-cycle. The book discusses the shifting notions of happiness during people¿s lives from birth to death, analyzing the age group-specific experiences while taking into consideration people's life trajectories and historical changes. It points also out recent developments in regards to demographic change, late marriage, and the changing labor market.

The first known detailed study of the early history of the Japanese Diet, providing thorough discussion of the origins of the Japanese parliament and it's development during this formative period. Drawn from primary sources.

While the US-Japan alliance has strengthened since the end of the Cold War Japan has, almost unnoticed, been building security ties with other partners, in the process reducing the centrality of the US in Japan¿s security; this book explains why this is happening.

Considers the changes that the Education Reform Act has made to the British education system and then examines the reforms from the perspective of the system in Japanese education. The text outlines areas in which the new system is deficient and discusses economic objectives of education.

Seeking to challenge negative perceptions within Japanese media and politics on the future of the countryside, the contributors to this book present a counter-argument to the inevitable demise of rural society.

Through examination of contemporary Japanese society, this book demonstrates that the analysis of class formation is fundamental for a clear understanding of institutions and collective identity such as family, school work, gender and ethnicity.

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan plunged the country into a state of crisis. As the nation struggled to recover from a record breaking magnitude 9 earthquake and a tsunami that was as high as 38 meters in some places, news trickled out that Fukushima had experienced meltdowns in three reactors. These tragic catastrophes claimed some 20,000 lives, initially displacing some 500,000 people and overwhelming Japans formidable disaster preparedness. This book brings together the analysis and insights of a group of distinguished experts on Japan to examine what happened, how various institutions and actors responded and what lessons can be drawn from Japan¿s disaster. The contributors, many of whom experienced the disaster first hand, assess the wide-ranging repercussions of this catastrophe and how it is already reshaping Japanese culture, politics, energy policy, and urban planning.

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan plunged the country into a state of crisis. As the nation struggled to recover from a record breaking magnitude 9 earthquake and a tsunami that was as high as thirty-eight meters in some places, news trickled out that Fukushima had experienced meltdowns in three reactors. These tragic catastrophes claimed some 20,000 lives, initially displacing some 500,000 people and overwhelming Japan's formidable disaster preparedness. This book brings together the analysis and insights of a group of distinguished experts on Japan to examine what happened, how various institutions and actors responded and what lessons can be drawn from Japan's disaster. The contributors, many of whom experienced the disaster first hand, assess the wide-ranging repercussions of this catastrophe and how it is already reshaping Japanese culture, politics, energy policy, and urban planning.

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the great transformation of Japanese capitalism from the heights of the 1980s, through the lost decades of the 1990s, and well into the 21st century. It posits an alternative analysis of the Japanese economic trajectory since the early 1980s, and argues that whereas policies inspired by neo-liberalism have been presented as a solution to the Japanese crisis, these policies have in fact been one of the causes of the problems that Japan has faced over the past thirty years.

Provides a thorough examination of vocational education and training in all parts of the education system; from primary education through to in-house training in companies and on the shop floor.

The 1889 Meiji constitution: how it actually worked, the establishment of the Diet and the shifting roles and interests of the parties.

Globalizing Japan explores the social and cultural dimensions of Japan's global presence.

Explores the problems underlying foreign policy decision-making between Japan and Russia since 1945, including the infamous 'Northern Territories dispute'.

An exploration of the dark side to Japanese literature and Japanese society. A wide range of fantasists form the basis for a ground breaking analysis of the fantastic.

A highly original and thorough exploration of the issues. Opposition Politics in Japan is essential reading for all those interested in Japanese politics.

Focuses on traditional and religious aspects of Japanese society from an anthropological perspective, presenting new material and making cross-cultural comparisons. Topics include women's role in ritual, mourning and the playing of games.

This book is the first comprehensive account of the changing role of men and the construction of masculinity in contemporary Japan it makes a significant contribution to our understanding of contemporary Japanese society and identity.

Written by the world's leading expert in the field, this book examines the evolution of Japanese agricultural policy in the post-war period, focusing particularly from the 1970s onwards when both domestic and external pressures for reform began to intensify.

For more than 60 years Hirohito was Emperor - a confusing mixture of "absolute" ruler, constitutional monarch and god. This political history of Showa Japan tests the controversies surrounding Hirohito against the written evidence of his entire reign.

Via a range of issues such as abortion, suicide, capital punishment and death from overwork, this study analyzes the social sciences and law studies of contemporary Japan. It approaches the right to life in Japan from a legal viewpoint and includes a discussion from an historical perspective.

Argues that the model nature of large firms may stem in part from the fact that they are able to off-load problems onto smaller firms who produce the components necessary for the large firm sector at disadvantageous subcontract terms.

This detailed analysis of Japan's relations with sub-Saharan Africa over the last twenty years explores the political and economic contexts surrounding Japan's attitude towards apartheid, trade, aid and investment.

Japan, Internationalism and the UN provides a unique insight into Japan's foreign policy and its related domestic politics. It is the product of a wealth of study and discussion with the Japanese themselves about their place in the world.