This volume provides an empirical and qualitative analysis of the nature and extent of the
Japanese academic profession with a special focus on the changes that occurred in the period
between 1992 and 2007. Based on responses to two comprehensive surveys administered to faculty
samples with a similar questionnaire the book presents key aspects of the academic activities
and views of Japanese faculty members. Divided into five sections the book describes the
changing social economic and educational environment academic organization and life
productivity as well as the effects of the profession on society. The last section describes
the Japanese academic profession as observed from the USA and Asia. In addition to its focus on
empirical analysis the book makes use of historical and comparative perspectives to explore
the various aspects of the changes that have occurred in the academic profession in this
non-English-speaking country.
