The Japanese Overseas

by Merry White

The astonishing success of Japanese corporations throughout the world has transplanted millions of Japanese into foreign lands, but returning families face a crisis--a problematic, sometimes traumatic reunion with an inward-looking culture. Drawing on scores of in-depth interviews, Merry White explores the personal and social consequences of a problem that is fully recognized as a national issue in Japan. She pays particular attention to the plight of the returnee Japanese child--a stranger in his or her own land. "In this knowledgeable and perceptive book, [Merry White] describes how families who have returned from prolonged sojourns abroad endure damaged careers and spoiled educational prospects."--Joan Cassell, The New York Times Book Review "An invaluable source of insights into the problems that Japanese overseas face and the strategies they pursue, both in adjusting to life in foreign countries and in preparing for what may or may not be a hospitable welcome when they arrive back home."--Theodore C. Bestor, The Journal of Asian Studies

Originally published in 1992.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Cera · Rating 2 out of 5]

My two stars should probably not be taken too seriously, since this was a work of sociology (with much statistical data about sampling and stuff) and sociology isn't my thing. Published in the late 80s, it looks at how Japanese families who go overseas due to the father's work are stigmatised when they return. It was interesting, but felt very dated, and I was surprised at how old some of the sources she cited were -- it seemed a bit strange to cite a study from the 50s when talking about Japanese families in the 80s.