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? Perhaps on a tour of a typical corporate office, presenting him with "the average day in the life of a salaryman", would this be enough to capture the essence of Japanese life? Certainly not. 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. 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.
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