This book attempts to shed light on the seemingly contradictory aspects of Japanese behavior. Separate chapters, grounded in interaction-oriented social scientific theory, focus on the themes of social relativism, belongingness, empathy, dependency, occupying the proper place, reciprocity, situational interaction, early socialization, selfhood, organized delinquency, suicide, culturally based moral rehabilitation, "shinkeishitsu" and Morita therapy, and spirit possession. By examining the beliefs and values generally shared by the Japanese, it is shown how this group places great importance on social interactions and relationships and less emphasis on individuality. The final chapter is devoted to a discussion of cultural change in Japan. (Author/GC)