Book description
This entertaining and endlessly surprising book takes us on an
exploration into every aspect of Japanese society from the most public
to the most intimate. A series of meticulous investigations gradually
uncovers the multi-faceted nature of a country and people who are even
more extraordinary than they seem. Our journey encompasses religion,
ritual, martial arts, manners, eating, drinking, hot baths, geishas,
family, home, singing, wrestling, dancing, performing, clans, education,
aspiration, sexes, generations, race, crime, gangs, terror, war,
kindness, cruelty, money, art, imperialism, emperor, countryside, city,
politics, government, law and a language that varies according to whom
you are speaking. Clear-sighted, persistent, affectionate, unsentimental
and honest - Alan Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen
before. Alan Macfarlane is Professor of Anthropology at Cambridge. He
has often visited and taught in Japan.
