This study compared Japanese and American ideals regarding marital and extra-marital friendship, intimacy, and employment related socialization. Questionnaire data from samples of Japanese (N=872) and American (N=843) subjects were analyzed for differences. Compared with the Japanese subjects, American subjects were found to place a higher value on marital friendship, on emotional intimacy within and outside of marriage, on spousal involvement in work-related socialization, and on socialization as a couple rather than as individuals. In contrast, the Japanese subjects were found to believe more strongly that close friendships outside of marriage would have harmful effects on marriage. Nevertheless, the Japanese subjects tended to believe more strongly that husbands should socialize with co-workers after work rather than go home to be with the family, if such socialization would facilitate career advancement. Neither group was supportive of employed wives/mothers socializing with co-workers rather than being with their family. (Author)