Recommendation

At Sociocybernetics, we believe that things do not happen ‘only’ by chance. This book is the result of a sum of will and efforts that have combined to reach this point of being published and being available in an electronic version. Readers should know that they are holding a work in their hands, which opens up a world of sociological knowledge hitherto available only to those who can read Japanese. By being published in English, this work opens up the range of readership transcending language barriers. This is the outcome of our efforts. English is the lingua franca of the current century. Therefore, if something is published in English, its audience will multiply. When a major work is translated, a new universe of possibilities opens up for the world contained in that text, and for those who can finally enjoy reading it.

From the corner of the world where I was born, I have felt deep curiosity and fascination for Japan since I was a child. My town, Sabiñánigo, is relatively close to Xavier, the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier, a 16th century Spanish Jesuit missionary who played a crucial role in introducing Christianity to Japan. He arrived on Kagoshima Island in 1549, becoming one of the first Europeans to set foot on Japanese soil to spread the gospel. This is a controversial and possibly misplaced topic, but it was, and is, my particular point of connection with a unique and exciting cultural world, such as Japanese history and society.

The translation of these seminal works in sociology from Japanese into English is an important contribution to the global sociological discourse. This initiative amplifies knowledge production in international sociology by facilitating access to alternative theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Incorporating Japanese sociological perspectives illuminates the multiplicity of analytical paradigms and interpretive frameworks through which various social phenomena can be understood. It is also an epistemological diversification that enriches the theoretical discourse and provides conceptual tools to address social challenges in different cultural contexts. This scholarly exchange transcends mere linguistic translation, fostering an intellectual dialogue that challenges the hegemony of Western sociological traditions while contributing to a more nuanced and pluralistic understanding of global social realities.

Japanese sociologists have developed unique perspectives and methodologies shaped by the country’s distinct cultural, historical, and social contexts. These insights can provide valuable alternative perspectives for Western-centric sociological theories and practices. If this book were translated into Aragonese, my native language, its scope would be immensely narrower. Irrespective of whether it is a preferred method, the best way to incorporate works written in languages other than English into global sociology is through translation.

Japan’s distinctive sociological tradition presents an invaluable case study for global social science research particularly owing to its remarkable economic transformation and unique societal challenges. Situated at the intersection of Eastern and Western influences, Japan provides an exceptional context for testing and refining Western sociological theories. Despite its robust research tradition and vibrant academic community, the international influence of Japanese sociology has been constrained by linguistic barriers. The efforts of Hideo Nakazawa, directors-in-charge Kazushi Tamano and Takashi Okumura, and Presidents Kimio Ito and Yoshimichi Sato in bridging this gap through this book must be acknowledged. This volume addresses this limitation by presenting seminal works on Japanese sociology to a global audience.

Published to commemorate the centennial of the Japanese Sociological Society, this anthology presents a meticulously curated collection of foundational texts that exemplify the sophistication and breadth of Japanese sociological thought. The selected works span diverse domains from organizational studies on automotive manufacturing to pioneering developments in environmental sociology and from quantitative analyses of social mobility to ethnographic investigations of rural communities. Each selection is accompanied by a scholarly commentary situating the work within its historical and theoretical context.

The quadripartite structure in this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of Japanese sociology. It begins with contemporary research addressing pressing social issues, progresses through theoretical innovations of the post-World War II period, examines the development of a crucial research infrastructure, and concludes with seminal works that have shaped the discipline. While this collection represents only a subset of the Japan Sociological Society’s century-long contributions, it serves as an essential gateway for international scholars to engage with Japan’s rich intellectual traditions. I would refrain from discussing the details of the selected works, as Hideo Nakazawa’s Introduction fulfills this function. By making these works accessible to English-speaking audiences, that is, the global audience, this volume enables the global sociological community to benefit from Japan’s extensive research, potentially leading to more nuanced theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches.

The Japan Sociological Society, established in 1924, has been instrumental in the development of sociological research and education in Japan for nearly a century. However, the linguistic isolation of Japanese sociology, with most of its works published exclusively in Japanese, has historically limited its global reach. This isolation extends beyond translational challenges to encompass the complex task of conveying culture-specific concepts and phenomena to international audiences. Japanese sociologists have developed distinctive theoretical frameworks that reflect Japan’s unique social and cultural landscape, requiring not only linguistic expertise but also a deep familiarity with both Japanese and Western sociological traditions for effective translation.

The Japan Sociological Society and Japanese sociological community have opened an invaluable avenue to access their rich history and background. These efforts are essential to not only disseminate Japanese research worldwide but also foster a more inclusive international sociological discourse. The greater accessibility to Japanese sociological research can contribute to a deeper understanding of social phenomena in all cultural contexts.

This book is a further step toward integrating Japanese sociological research into the global sociological discourse. Through such significant initiatives, Japanese sociology can enrich the global sociological landscape through distinctive perspectives and methodologies, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of social phenomena worldwide. I would like to conclude by congratulating The Japan Sociological Society for its outstanding work and for providing those of us who do not read Japanese with a taste of its sociological legacy.