| Description |
xiv, 167 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Series |
ASA research methods in social anthropology |
|
ASA research methods in social anthropology (Routledge (Firm))
|
| Contents |
Pt. I. Settling in and making contacts. 1. Arrival ... and an invitation. 2. The neighbourhood: a 'world of blossom and willow'. 3. The hospital ... and a strange encounter. 4. The school ... and a fight. 5. A pilgrims' trail. 6. Shiroyama, the Satomi legend and a new look at power -- Pt. II. Events to attend. 7. Wrapping the body: two local festivals. 8. The housewives' 'Club for Life'. 9. Cubs, sports and a shock. 10. Suicide, funerals and the well-wrapped gift. 11. Paper walls and flowers at the bank -- Pt. III. The role of experts. 12. A foreigner at the 'Culture Festival'. 13. 'Your Japanese is psychological torture'. 14. A volcanic eruption. 15. Tennis and the 'surreal' dinner. 16. Concerts, cakes and spiritual communication -- Pt. IV. Building a framework for analysis. 17. New Year: shrine, mochi and a tea ceremony. 18. Valentine's Day, and the 6th years pick on Hamish. 19. The gang-leader's wife. 20. Unwrapping the argument. 21. An artistic farewell |
| Summary |
In this highly personal account Joy Hendry relates her experiences of fieldwork in a Japanese town and reveals a fascinating cross-section of Japanese life. She sets out on a study of politeness but a variety of unpredictable events including a volcanic eruption, a suicide and her son's involvement with the family of a poweful local gangster, begin to alter the direction of her research. The book demonstrates the role of chance in the acquisition of anthropological knowledge and demonstrates how moments of insight can be embedded in everyday activity. An Anthropologist in Japan illuminates the education system, religious beliefs, politics, the family and the neighbourhood in modern Japan |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (page 155) and index |
| Notes |
Also available online |
|
English |
|
Print version record |
| Subject |
Hendry, Joy, 1945-
|
|
Hendry, Joy.
|
|
Ethnology -- Fieldwork -- Japan.
|
|
Women ethnologists -- Japan -- Biography.
|
| SUBJECT |
Japan -- Social life and customs. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85069579
|
| Genre/Form |
Autobiographies.
|
| LC no. |
98035095 |
| ISBN |
041519573X (hbk) |
|
0415195748 (paperback) |
|
