Routledge Japan's Minorities: The Illusion of Homogeneity

Explore the complex social landscape of Japan with this academic study from the Routledge Japanese Studies Series. Based on original research, Japan's Minorities provides a clear historical introduction to how individual minority groups formed and analyzes their contemporary status in modern society. This second edition examines six principal minority groups: the Ainu, the Burakumin, the Chinese, the Koreans, the Nikkeijin, and the Okinawans. The text investigates how historical events, including the impact of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have been used to shape national identity. By looking at the concept of 'Japaneseness,' the contributors reveal how certain groups are excluded from the national narrative. This book serves as a vital resource for students and researchers interested in anthropology, sociology, and Japanese studies. It offers a deep look into the social structures that define the relationship between the state and its diverse populations.