
Japanese Rebels
Non-conformists in a Conformist Society
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 28. April 2026
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-1-032-91451-0 (ISBN)
Description
Japan is often seen through the lens of an unusually resilient stereotype that it is a nation of risk-averse conformists. David McNeill and Stephen McClure deconstruct that stereotype by showing that there have always been Japanese people who have rejected the status quo, challenged injustice and fought for personal freedom.
The book delves into the notion that Japan is a monolithic society in the hope of dispelling it. The authors profile people who have dared to make their voices heard in a society that has traditionally placed a premium on fitting in and not rocking the boat. By sharing their unique stories, it offers readers a more nuanced and deeper understanding of movements for change in historical and contemporary Japan.
This book is a critical read for academics and scholars in the fields of Japanese studies, Asian studies, sociology and anthropology, as well as those with a long-standing interest in Japan and Asia, especially in individual or social movements for reform and freedom of expression.
The book delves into the notion that Japan is a monolithic society in the hope of dispelling it. The authors profile people who have dared to make their voices heard in a society that has traditionally placed a premium on fitting in and not rocking the boat. By sharing their unique stories, it offers readers a more nuanced and deeper understanding of movements for change in historical and contemporary Japan.
This book is a critical read for academics and scholars in the fields of Japanese studies, Asian studies, sociology and anthropology, as well as those with a long-standing interest in Japan and Asia, especially in individual or social movements for reform and freedom of expression.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Academic and Postgraduate
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
32 s/w Abbildungen, 32 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder
32 Halftones, black and white; 32 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
503 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-91451-0 (9781032914510)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Taylor & Francis
€56.49
Available for download

E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Taylor & Francis
€56.49
Available for download
Persons
David McNeill is a former correspondent for The Independent and The Economist newspapers. He is Professor of Communications at the University of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo and co-chairs the Freedom of the Press committee of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan.
Stephen McClure, formerly Billboard magazine's Asia Bureau Chief, is a freelance journalist, editor and narrator. McClure has written on a broad range of topics, including business, media, pop culture, travel and science, including Nippon Pop, the first English-language book on Japanese pop music.
Stephen McClure, formerly Billboard magazine's Asia Bureau Chief, is a freelance journalist, editor and narrator. McClure has written on a broad range of topics, including business, media, pop culture, travel and science, including Nippon Pop, the first English-language book on Japanese pop music.
Content
Introduction 1 Activists 2 Artists 3 Athletes 4 Authors 5 Bureaucrats 6 Businesspeople 7 Entertainers 8 Historical rebels 9 Foreign rebels 10 Inventors and scientists 11 Journalists 12 Movie directors 13 Politicians 14 Religious rebels. Postscript