Japan in the 21st century : environment, economy, and society = Nijūisseiki no Nihon

The ancient civilization of Japan, with its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, is also closely associated with all that is new and modern. Looking outward, Japan sees what it has become since Hiroshima: the world's second-largest economy, a source of fury and wonder, a power without arms. Looking inward, Japan sees old ways shaken and new ones developing at a hectic pace. Japan in the Twenty-first Century offers compelling insights into the current realities of the country and investigates the crucial political, economic, demographic, and environmental challenges that face the nation. A combination of text, maps, and photographs provides an essential understanding of Japan's geography, cultural heritage, demography, economic and political development, and of many other important issues. Pradyumna P. Karan explores the obstacles and opportunities that will shape Japan and affect the world community in the coming years. He highlights strategies and policies that will facilitate economic and political change and stimulate the development of effective institutions for long-term, sustainable prosperity and economic vitality. Unique field reports drawn from direct observations of events and places in Japan illuminate Japanese traditions and sensibilities. The first full-length English-language textbook on Japan's geography, culture, politics, and economy to appear in nearly four decades, Japan in the Twenty-first Century will be a vital resource for researchers, academics, general readers, and students of Japan. Pradyumna P. Karan, professor of geography and Japan studies at the University of Kentucky, is the author or editor of numerous books on Asian geography and culture, including The Japanese City and Japan in the Bluegrass. Cover JAPAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY Title Copyright Contents List of Maps and Figures Preface and Acknowledgments Note on Numerical Conversions 1 Japan at the Crossroads: Grappling with Changes 2 Environmental Challenges and Constraints The Physical Setting of Japan Geologic Structure Landforms Rivers and Lakes: Drainage Patterns Climates and Seasons Vegetation Cover Natural Resources Natural Hazards Alteration of Landforms by Human Activities 3 The Cultural Heritage The Pottery People (Jomon Culture) Yayoi Culture The Evolution of the Yamato Cultural Core The Nara and Heian Periods The Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai Cultures, 1185-1868 Japan's Emergence as a Great Power, 1868-1914 The Triumph of Fascism and World War II Postwar Reform, Reconstruction, and Emergence as an Economic Superpower Cultural Heritage in the Twenty-first Century Religion 4 Japanese Landscapes Primary Characteristics of the Japanese Landscape Secondary Characteristics of the Landscape 5 Regional Reality East and West, Center and Periphery, Omote-Nihon and Ura-Nihon Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Kinki Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa and the Nansei (Ryukyu) Islands 6 Demographic and Social Challenges Falling Birthrates Aging Society Care of the Elderly Population Distribution and Migration Patterns Literacy, Education, and Civility Minority Groups in Japan Overseas Migration of Japanese Foreign Workers in Japan The Status of Women Social Welfare and the Homeless The Gap between Rich and Poor 7 Rural Landscape, Settlements, and Agriculture The Rural Landscape Rural Settlements Land Use and Recent Changes in Agriculture Declining Rice Farming and Increasing Diversity of the Rural Economy Subsidies and the Future of Japanese Agriculture Urban Agriculture in Japan Land Reclamation for Agriculture Maintaining the Vitality of Rural Communities 8 Urban Settlements Early Historic Cities: Nara, Heiankyo (Kyoto), and Kamakura Origins and Development of Cities in Feudal Japan City Growth in the Modern Period (1868-2000) The Japanese Megalopolis Urban Development and Historical Preservation in the Megalopolis The Structure of the Tokyo Metropolitan Region The Urban Development Challenge Moving Japan's Capital 9 The Political Challenge The Political Culture The Current Political System Political Changes in 1993: Causes and Consequences The National Flag and the Anthem: Symbols to Unite That Divide Japan's Defense Policy Territorial Disputes with Russia, China, and Korea Japan, Asia, and the United States: Geopolitical Aspects American Military Bases in Japan Japan and Russia Japan and Latin America 10 The Economic Challenge Japan's Foreign Direct Investment Japan's Economy, 1990-2004 Accounting Practices and Economic Woes: Japan's Bank Crisis Essentials for Future Economic Performance The Challenge of Structural Reform 11 Development and Restructuring of Industry From Zaibatsu to Keiretsu Japanese Manufacturing Strategy Industrial Regions Industrial Restructuring in Japan 12 Postindustrial Japan The Development of Technology in Japan The Growth of the Semiconductor Industry The Location of High-Technology Industries Biotechnology Industries The Information Technology (IT) Industry The Internet Economy Science Cities and the Technopolis Future Prospects 13 The Challenge of Environmental Preservation Toxic Wastes Grassroots Environmental Movements in Japan 14 Facing the Challenges Three Major Transitions Social Reforms for Sustainable Development The Aging Society and the Falling Birthrate The Future of the Countryside The High-Technology Road The Changing Lifestyles of the Young Further Readings Index Japan In The Twenty-first Century Examines The Natural Features Of This Island Nation, Which Have Greatly Impacted The Japanese People, And Explores How The Country's Social, Economic, And Political Structures Have Affected Japan's Global Role In This Century.--jacket. Japan At The Crossroads: Grappling With Changes -- Environmental Challenges And Constraints -- The Cultural Heritage -- Japanese Landscapes -- Regional Reality -- Demographic And Social Challenges -- Rural Landscape, Settlements, And Agriculture -- Urban Settlements -- The Political Challenge -- The Economic Challenge -- Development And Restructuring Of Industry -- Postindustrial Japan -- The Challenge Of Environmental Preservation -- Facing The Challenges. Pradyumna P. Karan ; Cartography By Dick Gilbreath. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.