By emphasizing the extensive cultural diversity from one region to another, this book represents a paradigm shift from former studies of Japanese families, which relied mostly on national average data. The method of analysis adopted in the study is qualitative, with a historical perspective.  The book is thus an invitation to more in-depth, qualitative dialogue in the field of family sociology in Japan.

This book will be of great interest not only to Asian scholars, but also to other specialists in comparative family studies around the world.