The idea that Japan is a socially homogenous, uniform society has been increasingly challenged in recent years. This book takes the resulting view further by highlighting how Japan, far from singular or monolithic, is socially and culturally complex. It engages with particular life situations, exploring the extent to which personal experiences and lifestyle choices influence this contemporary multifaceted nation-state. Adopting a theoretically engaged ethnographic approach, and considering a range of "escapes" both physical and metaphorical, this book provides a rich picture of the fusions and fissures that comprise Japan and Japaneseness today.

The idea that Japan is a socially homogenous, uniform society has been increasingly challenged in recent years. This book takes the resulting view further by highlighting how Japan, far from singular or monolithic, is socially and culturally complex. It engages with particular life situations, exploring the extent to which personal experiences and lifestyle choices influence this contemporary multifaceted nation-state. Adopting a theoretically engaged ethnographic approach, and considering a range of "escapes" both physical and metaphorical, this book provides a rich picture of the fusions and fissures that comprise Japan and Japaneseness today.

Set in the chaotic times following 9/11, five young adults face a daunting mission to open contact between Earth and Star people. Can Ariel, a girl of both Star and human DNA, and Josh, son of the Air Force Chief of Staff, use their natural and learned skills as Star Kids to succeed in spite of attacks from entrenched power brokers? Ariel is challenged to become the Star People's Ambassador to Earth. Raised on a Starship and shocked when at age 17 she first discovers her human mother, Ariel struggles with what it means to be a hybrid human. Human emotions, belonging to a family, falling in love, her first kiss, and learning English, are all part of navigating in a culture unimagined on the Mothership. Guided by Star people, Ariel is joined by four other young adults: Josh, whose mission includes designing and prototyping a practical hydrogen engine to change the nature of energy use on earth; Jessica's brash, plucky spirit helps her survive a rocket attack; Robert's unfailing sense of humor augments his keen mind and computer skills; Sarah, a sensitive, is adept at remote viewing and psychic perception. Telepathic from infancy, Ariel must confront her fears for her own safety and that of her friends before she can use her unique talents to survive kidnapping and attacks by corrupt officials of the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and finally by an aging former member of the Nazi Youth who now holds great power in the petroleum and financial industries in the US. Pilots will enjoy following Ariel, Josh, and Jessica as they learn to first fly airplanes, then the saucer. In her final step into the Ambassador role, Ariel meets with the new president-elect of the United States at Camp David. Favorite characters from the first two books in this series, Sky Warriors and The General continue to add in this saga.

It's a true story of some childhood hurdles of one sweet pup. The fear that comes from facing challenges and the pride that comes from overcoming the fear. This little pup finds out the importance of following your own heart instead of following the crowd. Each chapter would be a great rhyming bed time story for your child.

Transactions Of The American Philosophical Society, New Series, V37, Part 1.