How Japanese Do It: Voices from a Nation in Decline

How Japanese Do It: Voices from a Nation in Decline

The inspiration for this book came from a thought that deeply intrigued me – what if an alien visited Japan, seeking to understand the life here? Where would I, who have been living in this country for over ten years, take him? Certainly not to a typical corporate office to show them an ordinary day in the life of a salaryman. Such a setting would hardly capture the true essence of Japanese life. To truly penetrate the soul of Japan requires a journey across its vast expanse, engaging with the myriad personalities that stitch together the nation's cultural and social fabric. "How Japanese Do It: Voices from a Nation in Decline" ventures beyond the shiny veneer of conventional perceptions, delving deep into the heart of what truly defines Japanese spirit and identity in an era of demographic and economic decline. Encounter a former salaryman turned homeless after being pushed to the brink of suicide by financial ruin, a Tunisian entrepreneur scavenging Japan for vintage Toyota truck engines to sell overseas, and peek inside a Japanese NPO where, defying the stereotype of Japan's rigorous work ethic, everyone without lifting a finger manages to get their salary. Discover why a simple volleyball club in Japan, is more than just a place for sports but a living example of the social and professional hierarchies that define much of Japanese society. Find out why Japanese policemen are become criminals, and hear the distressing tale of a young woman in Kyoto, sexually exploited by those entrusted with her education. In "How Japanese Do It" we set out to capture the ephemeral moments of a transforming society, offering an intimate yet broad portrayal of life in a declining Japan.