This new and fully updated second edition of Critical Issues in Contemporary Japan provides undergraduate and graduate students with an interdisciplinary textbook written by leading specialists on contemporary Japan. Students will gain the analytical insights and information necessary to assess the challenges that confront the Japanese people, policymakers and private and public-sector institutions in Japan today.


Featuring a comprehensive analysis of key debates and issues confronting Japan, issues covered include:








A rapidly aging society and changing employment system







Nuclear and renewable energy policy







Gender discrimination







Immigration and ethnic minorities







Post-3/11 tsunami, earthquake and nuclear meltdown developments







Sino-Japanese relations





An essential reference work for students of contemporary Japan, it is also an invaluable source for a variety of courses, including comparative politics, anthropology, public policy and international relations.