Description
In this highly personal account Joy Hendry relates her experiences of fieldwork in a Japanese town and reveals a fascinating cross-section of Japanese life. She sets out on a study of politeness but a variety of unpredictable events including a volcanic eruption, a suicide and her son's involvement with the family of a poweful local gangster, begin to alter the direction of her research. The book demonstrates the role of chance in the acquisition of anthropological knowledge and demonstrates how moments of insight can be embedded in everyday activity. An Anthropologist in Japan illuminates the education system, religious beliefs, politics, the family and the neighbourhood in modern Japan.
About the Author
Joy Hendry is Professor of Social Anthropology at Oxford Brookes University. She has published numerous books and articles on Japan, including Wrapping Culture (1993), Understanding Japanese Society (Routledge, 1993) and Interpreting Japanese Society (ed.) (Routledge, 1998).
Reviews
'Well written, and captivating to the end ... fascinating book.' - Anthropos, 95
'Highly recommendable to diverse categories of readers. It is precisely suitable as a classroom text in anthropology, social science, communication, and Japan studies ... not only educational but entertaining.' - Journal of Japanese Studies
Book Information
ISBN 9780415195744
Author Joy Hendry
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 254g
