The Material Child: Coming of Age in Japan and America

by Merry White

As she describes the youth culture of Japan, Merry White draws comparisons with the interests and activities pursued by teenagers in the United States and the contrasting attitudes of adults in Japan and the U.S. towards adolescence. The result is both engrossing and enlightening.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Japanese Literature

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Sally Sugarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting way to study adolescents. There is a great deal of difference between the two countries while there are also similarities. Teenagers in both countries are targeted as consumers. The Japanese children spend much more time in their studies since the studies are important for their future. White raises the influence of the culture of affluence and how it affects the haves and the haves less. She says in Japan adults are worried for the adolescent while in America they are worried of the adolescent. She says the Japanese adolescent as far more reflective and realistic than American adolescents who have an undue optimism about their futures. The American adolescents have more time to get into trouble. They are also not as likely to go in groups as much as the Japanese. The differences in attitudes about sexuality are interesting. The Japanese adolescents can do it , but they should not be public about it. There is a difference between sex and romance for the Japanese that gets confused for the Americans. There is not as much rebellion among the Japanese as amongst the Americans. The Americans have an ideology that is not very specific, while the Japanese are more pragmatic while also having specific ideals.

[Carlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Material Child: Coming of Age in Japan and America is an interesting look into the differences and similarities between American and Japanese adolescents. And how their cultures differ and shape their thoughts and beliefs. It's a bit text-bookish, but overall, it's a good read.