Although Japan's economy is not growing, and its political system is similarly viewed as stagnating, there is a great deal of interest in Japan in studying and measuring happiness. This focus on happiness represents a refreshingly different view as to what is the purpose of government, and of life - something other than achieving economic growth or political activism. This book, based on extensive original research, considers how the pursuit of happiness is viewed and is striven for in a variety of different situations in Japan. It examines relationships, family, identity, community and self-fulfilment among other subjects.