In the post-war period Japan has experienced radical social and economic transformations, asserting itself as the world’s second largest economy by 1968. Housing and construction have been at the heart of this revitalization, a key socioeconomic policy, and a stabilizing factor during rapid modernization. Housing and Social Transition in Japan explores the nature of the Japanese housing system, focusing on how it has been embedded in wider structures of social and economic change.

While Japan demonstrates many of the characteristics of western housing and social systems, including mass home ownership and consumption-based lifestyles, economic growth and modernization have been achieved in balance with indigenous social values and practices. This book presents a number of perspectives on the Japanese housing system, outlining a comprehensive account of its dynamic role during a period of unprecedented social and economic change.

Leading Japan-based specialists address a range of topical issues, questioning prevailing assumptions formed in western societies concerning the role of housing and dwelling in processes of social change. This book generates an original consideration of the way housing structures and practices have contributed to the evolution of modern Japan and its twenty-first century reorientation. As well as providing challenges and insights for the academic community at large, this book will also supply a good introduction to the study of Japan and its housing, economic, social and welfare systems generally.