Japan Through the Looking Glass [Paperback]

"'Intelligent and engaging... an excellent book for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture.' Sunday Telegraph 'An elegantly arranged narrative that takes in everything from the mythical roots of sumo to the ubiquity of Shinto shrines.' The Times 'An engaging and well-informed analysis of Japanese culture and society... Readers fresh to Japanese studies will find something fascinating on every page; those more familiar with writing on Japan will appreciate the smaller details, many born of Macfarlane's rich comparative insights.' Independent 'He triumphantly decodes this enigmatic country.' Japan Times"

`On his journey through Japanese society, he encounters subjects from the most public to the most intimate and uncovers a nation that is even more extraordinary than he first thought.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

`...an engaging and well-informed analysis of Japanese culture and society.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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.