I wanted to read Hirohito and the making of modern Japan, but I still have to start it and instead I found this one and thought that this would be a good commentary on the modern Japan.
And yes, this is a real good one covering various topics from culture to economy and aging population. The arguments presented in this book are well backed by research and reasoning. It has been a bit critical to many things which has been traditionally followed in Japan as a culture or tradition, but it is not possible to judge the effect of such things in just one book. It would require more volumes, but this will help you understand the basic issues that Japan is facing, and aging is just one of them.
Another thought was that every society is unique, and the rise of Japan was exceptional after the World War. There are things which look a bit like marching backwards but eventually that can't be the only index, and in that sense a lot of progress which came with discipline, subordination, and longer work hours can be maintained with a fresh approach rather than attributing the slow changes to traditional ways.
Worth a read, and don't expect you to be a specialist in economics, culture, or social sciences. Bonus point, I got to know so many new words in Japanese which might be helpful in further readings.
Peace
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