Japan's Quiet Transformation: Social Change and Civil Society in 21st Century Japan

by Jeff Kingston

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415274838
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/19/2004
Series:	Asia's Transformations
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

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.

Table of Contents

Part 1 1. The Lost Decade 2. Information Disclosure 3. Building Civil Society: NPOs and Judicial Reform 4. Rogues and Riches 5. Downsizing the Construction State Part 2 6. Bad Blood 7. Dignity Denied 8. Mad Cows and Ocean Cockroaches Part 3 9. Nationalism 10. Social Transformations: Gender, Family, Work and Demographic Trends

Editorial Reviews

'In this stimulating book Jeff Kingston meticulously examines many of the social, political and economic changes that have buffeted Japan for more than a decade and are drastically reshaping its fundamental nature. This insightful and excellently researched work attempts to make sense out of a host of diverse trends and predict their possible impact on the shape of Japan to come.' - J. Sean Curtin, www.glocom.org

'Many historical accounts of postwar Japan conclude before the period
addressed in this book. Thus Kingston's study should be particularly
welcomed by individuals who want to understand today's Japan, but
through a historical perspective. 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/Asahi

'Japan's Quiet Transformation is one of the most important books about Japan published in recent years, a book that is unsparing in its critique of contemporary Japan's many ills but that goes well beyond the now standard doom-laden portrayal of a nation headed for the abyss.' - Japan Foundation Newsletter

'For all those interested in the 'futuristic' trends for Japan, Jeff Kingston has provided a fine overview. Yet there is something here too for all who wish to observe the reinvention of Japan.' - Contemporary Review

'Quiet Transformation is a compelling and entertaining read that stands to become a classic on Japan's largely ignored attempts to turn itself around at the turn of the 21st century...' - Japan Foundation Newsletter

'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

From the Publisher