Contemporary Japan: History, Politics and Social Change sincethe 1980s presents a comprehensive examination of the causes ofthe Japanese economic bubble in the late 1980s and thesocio-political consequences of the recent financial collapse. Represents the only book to examine in depth the turmoil ofJapan since Emperor Hirohito died in 1989, the Cold War ended, andthe economy collapsed Provides an assessment of Japan's dramatic political revolutionof 2009 Analyzes how risk has increased in Japan, undermining the senseof security and causing greater disparities in society Assesses Japan's record on the environment, the consequences ofneo-liberal reforms, immigration policies, the aging society, theUS alliance, the Imperial family, and the 'yakuza' criminalgangs Selected as a 2011 Outstanding Academic Title by CHOICE