There is a growing recognition that the most powerful determinants of health in modern populations are to be found in social, economic and cultural circumstances. These include economic growth, income distribution, consumption, work organization, unemployment and job insecurity, social and family structure, education and deprivation, and they are all aspects of "social organization". In this work, these issues are examined by British and North American researchers. They bring together an array of evidence from the social sciences, epidemiology and biology. The text starts by examining the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches to improving the population's health. It then considers the timing of major influences on health and questions whether there are special periods of vulnerability early in life or whether circumstances throughout life are equally important. The final section draws out the implications for policy and for links between health and economic performance, emphasising the need for greater investment to combat the low educational standards and high and poor economic performance.

There is a growing recognition that the most powerful determinants of health in modern populations are to be found in social, economic and cultural circumstances. These include economic growth, income distribution, consumption, work organization, unemployment and job insecurity, social and family structure, education and deprivation, and they are all aspects of "social organization". In this work, these issues are examined by British and North American researchers. They bring together an array of evidence from the social sciences, epidemiology and biology. The text starts by examining the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches to improving the population's health. It then considers the timing of major influences on health and questions whether there are special periods of vulnerability early in life or whether circumstances throughout life are equally important. The final section draws out the implications for policy and for links between health and economic performance, emphasising the need for greater investment to combat the low educational standards and high and poor economic performance.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Japan developed into a thriving economy, and the Japanese remain one of the healthiest populations in the world to this day. However, in the past 25 years, low-growth, mounting debt, and rapid ageing have complicated this image, and global interest in the longevity and social cohesion of the Japanese populace is now greater than ever. Health in Japan brings together the perspectives and research of Japan's leading social epidemiologists in English for the first time, creating an enriching reading experience for both Japanese and international readers. With chapters on key topics such as Chronic Disease, Disasters and Health, and Mental Health and Wellbeing, this textbook offers a comprehensive examination of all major health issues facing the country. Focusing on the primary, upstream causes of health and disease, as well as novel evidence on the wider determinants of well-being and illness, this is a must-read for any public health professional or researcher with an interest in Japanese society, culture, and healthcare.