This book focuses on the historical construction of language norms and its relationship to actual language use in contemporary Japan.

Why are different varieties of the Japanese language used differently in social interaction, and how are they perceived? How do honorifics operate to express di

The kimono is an iconic garment with a history as rich and colourful as the textiles from which it is crafted. Deeply associated with Japanese culture both past

Seniority-based hierarchy (jouge kankei) is omnipresent in Japanese group dynamics. How one comports, depends on one’s status and position vis-à-vis others.

The book studies the “Manchurian immigrants” from many important aspects suchas agricultural operation, education, religion, and women’s issues. It contai